About Us
The Hart Bryant Foundation was founded by a Chicago-based family who lost their son after a birth injury and NICU stay. We are using our experience to help grieving families as well as give back to the hospital where we spent time with our son.
We are dedicated to helping families who have experienced the heartbreaking death of a baby. We provide support through memorial gifts given to grieving families in the hospital, fundraising events to hospital bereavement funds and related charities, community events for bereaved families, and comprehensive resources available to all. Our goal is to keep our babies in our hearts, while helping to heal the hearts of their families.
Everything we do is in loving memory of our son, Hart Bryant Vangsness.
Hart's Story
Hart Bryant Vangsness was born on October 17, 2024. He was healthy and doing well during labor and delivery until the final moments. He was born unconscious, resuscitated, and rushed to the NICU. Hart was diagnosed with HIE (Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy), which is a brain injury from the lack of oxygen at birth. He lived for three weeks in the NICU. Some favorite moments were being held and kissed by his big sister Vale as well as taking him on walks outside of the hospital. During that time, he changed the lives of his family, as well as his team of doctors and nurses. Everyone fell in love with his beautiful face, strength, and sweetness. There were many memories made before he died in our arms on November 7, 2024. He is loved and missed immensely. He touched the hearts of so many, while also influencing the hospital greatly. Hart made a real impact in his short life, and he is continuing to make an impact now.
Afton
Vangsness
Co-Founder, President,
Hart's Mom
CHAD
Vangsness
Co-Founder, Vice President,
Hart's Dad