Tara's Starfish Foundation, Inc.

Tara Troy Gambardella loved to make people smile, especially children. Her uplifting energy and kindness made the world a better place. Those of us who love her want her spirit to continue through the work of Tara's Starfish Foundation.

Tara was a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations for over a decade. She underwent the first of two open heart surgeries while she was a senior at the University of Hartford and a member of Phi Mu Sorority. After the second valve replacement surgery in March 2011, she began blogging about her experience in hopes of educating and encouraging others in the same situation. Tara was excited about starting a family and soon became pregnant. There were no signs of any health concerns until the 5th month of pregnancy. She and her unborn son died on October 31, 2011.