Rock Your Scar® is a national Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness campaign, perhaps the only one in the U.S. This campaign began in 2015 to address a specific need—to help children and adults living with CHD not to feel ashamed of their scars or having CHD. Leaders of the Mended Little Hearts program noticed that kids were feeling bad about their scars or about having CHD, and we decided to show them how they ROCK instead. We also wanted to raise awareness of CHD so that those living with it would not feel so alone. Every year, we learn about children and adults who now feel empowered and inspired because of Rock Your Scar. Our first 13-year-old winner, who felt ashamed of her scar before the Rock Your Scar photo contest, went on to write a book, become a public speaker, and get newborn screening legislation passed where she lives.

 


Previous Rock Your Scar® Photo Contest Winners:

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015