Meet The Atkinson Family

Rachael and Craig Atkinson discovered Children’s HeartLink while searching for ways to volunteer abroad. Though not medical professionals, they were moved by the mission and began donating—support that has continued since 2008.

Rachael’s connection runs deep. Born with Tetralogy of Fallot in a country without the cardiac care she needed, she was adopted at 18 months and received lifesaving surgery in the United States.

That early care allowed her to grow up active, healthy and now she’s raising two young boys with Craig. Together, they love hiking, camping, fishing and the outdoors in all four seasons.

Tetralogy of Fallot is a combination of four heart defects that result in reduced oxygen flow throughout the child’s body. It’s considered to be a critical heart defect as it may require surgery or other procedures soon after birth.

Rachael and Craig give monthly as founding members of the HeartBeat Club–a community of donors who provide recurring support to sustain Children’s HeartLink’s mission.

Monthly gifts from donors like them create reliable funding that allows the organization to plan future work and strengthen partnerships with hospitals around the world.

Join the HeartBeat Club today!