We are Kyle & Betty Mertens, and on May 15th of 2017 our one-year-old daughter, Ella, passed away due to complications caused by an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. We want to do everything in our power to keep this from happening to other families. This is why we established The Ella Marie Endowment Fund at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to support pediatric heart research. After 5 years of incredible support, we have decided to establish a nonprofit called Ella’s Umbrella to expand our efforts. In addition to research, Ella’s legacy will now help fund heart technology advancements and help for grieving people.