Podcasts about heart mom

From there to here. When Kasie Marek's son received a heart transplant after a long and difficult medical road of treating his hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), she had no idea what lay on the other side of treatment. Listen as Kasie shares their honest journey and what she's learned in this season's final episode.  

This episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" features a very special heart mom. Kelsi Rogers talks about the surprising circumstances around her son's heart condition. Born with an electrical problem in his heart, Jett has already faced life-and-death situations several times in his short life. Not even three years old yet, he has undergone an ablation and an open-heart surgery.Tune in to find out what kind of heart defect Jett has, why the ablation was so extensive, and what kind of surgery eventually saved his life.Following the interview with Kelsi Rogers, co-editors Megan Tones and Anna Jaworski read the last half of Chapter Seven: Facing My Mortality from their new book The Heart of a Heart Warrior Volume Two: Endurance.Links mentioned in this podcast:HeartFelt: https://www.facebook.com/heartfeltscreeningTiny Tickers Trot: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/CA/Chico/TinyTickersTrotBaby Hearts Press: https://www.babyheartspress.com (for more information on the book The Heart of a Heart Warrior and more!)To sign up for a Baby Hearts Press Book Study, visit our website here: https://www.babyheartspress.com/volume-2Become a Supporter of the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/supporters/newSupport the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

For those of you who aren't familiar, my daughter Meadow was born with a severe congenital heart defect last year. Being an advocate for congenital heart disease feels like the most special and important thing I can do as a Heart Mom, and sharing more about this is exactly what I felt called to do this Heart Month.   I share some statistics on congenital heart disease that may shock you, and why I'm so invested in giving Heart Babies the very best chance we possibly can. Hear what my daughter's life will look like living with a congenital heart defect, and a poem I wrote about my experience as a Heart Mom.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://blog.npreviews.com/heart-month-congenital-disease-mom/  

As I sit back and reflect on Heart to Heart with Anna in the year 2023, I want you to celebrate with me, Anna Jaworski, as we mark a milestone of connection and growth within the congenital heart defect community. From the early days on Voice America to our move to Blog Talk Radio and beyond, we've weathered sponsorship storms and emerged stronger, bringing hope and vital information to those touched by CHD. Join me for an intimate retrospective on our top episodes of the past year, recognizing stories that have resonated and sparked conversations, powered by the voices that have made this journey unforgettable.Stepping into the future, I'm excited to open the doors to compassionate individuals eager to make a difference. Your unique skills can shine in various volunteer roles, from scripting heartfelt narratives to amplifying our reach on social media. Our collective efforts support Hearts Unite the Globe, ensuring that no one walks their CHD path alone. I have a particular fondness for LinkedIn as a hub of engagement—let it be the place where you step forward to join our passionate mission. Together, we will continue to be a beacon of light, wrapping the CHD community in a blanket of support and ensuring that every heart feels heard and valued.Top 5 2023 Heart to Heart with Anna Episodes:Link to #5 Navigating the Journey of Parenting Children with Autism and Congenital Heart Defects: A Heartfelt Conversation and Advocacy with two fantastic heart moms — Melanie Letzer and Kelly Blumenthal. https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/12993576An Unseen Threat: The Cody Watkins Story of Heart Failure and Recovery https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/13210321Link to #4 Myocardial Bridging and Boots Knighton https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/12585318Link to #3 Heart Mom and Heart Daughter on Being a Mom https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/12765679Link to #2 Cardiac Chronicles and Community Connections: Leigh Kamping-Carder's Story https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/12988991Link to #1 LGBTQ+ and the CHD Community https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/11968012Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

On this week's episode, Anna Rapp, founder of the Heart Centered Entrepreneur -- Podcast and Online Community and author of $$20K Freedom Fund™: Build Your Bank from $0 to Fully Stable in 90 Days joins the Investor Mama Podcast. Anna walks Jen through a modeling exercise navigating being both a mom and business owner without the guilt, shame or worry about being inadequate at both. This was an unexpected episode that came to fruition after having a mom to mom heart to heart talk before the show began. You won't want to miss it!

What was it like to give birth to a baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in the 1990s? How would it feel like to watch that miracle child grow up to become a mother herself? What is it like to then see your daughter's daughter for the first time? Answers to those questions and many more will be answered in this Mother's Day Special Heart to Heart with Anna episode. Meg Didier is a 30-year-old hHLHS survivor and a mother. After we finished recording her episode, “HLHS Survivor and Mother” earlier this year, I said it would be so wonderful to have her back on the show with her own mother for May 2023, especially in celebration of Mothers' Day and she agreed.Patty Hansen and I “met” online over two decades ago, when the Internet was young. We met via a listserv and shared inspiring stories about our heart warriors, questions we had, and shared concerns. We prayed for one another, gave helpful advice, and encouraged one another. When I decided to put together an anthology of stories by women around the world affected by congenital heart defects, Patty contributed an essay entitled ‘Finding the Good,' which you can read starting on page 179 of “The Heart of a Mother.” This is my first time to actually speak with Patty!& so much moreA bi-monthly podcast where we share the stories of our Caregivers, patients and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyTo purchase Snow in Vietnam go to https://quillhawkpublishing.com/products/snow-in-vietnam-a-historical-fiction-novel We so appreciate everyone who likes, loves, or gives our social media posts a happy emoji. We also appreciate people who share our posts or engage in conversation with us. Thanks, too, to the people who just started following us on Instagram, YouTube or other social media platforms. We appreciate you all!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

In this episode we talk to heart mom & The Love for Littles shop owner Josie Hau! Josie shares the incredible story of her heart warrior Maya, who also has Down Syndrome, and how Josie coped with the difficulties by searching for certainty and magic on her family's CHD journey. She also discusses how her family made the decision to have more children after Maya and what helped her in the decision making process. You'll hear all about her shop The Love for Littles and the support bracelets she makes to help ease the burden of families who are struggling. You won't want to miss a minute of this episode, so go listen now! Josie's Website: theloveforlittles.com Josie's Social Media Handle: @theloveforlittles Our book Hope and Courage: Six Life Lessons from the Parents of a Child with Congenital Heart Disease is available HERE on Amazon! To learn more about it, and all of our other CHD Parent resources, check out www.tomandkathansen.com. Follow us @tomandkathansen on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Questions or comments? Reach out to us at hello@tomandkathansen.com Please rate, review, and subscribe to The Hope and Courage Podcast for CHD Parents anywhere you listen to podcasts! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tom-and-kat-hansen/message

In this episode we chat with Heart Mom & Pediatric Cardiology Echo Tech Brittany Freese. We discuss her unique position as a heart parent & a medical profession in the cardiology world, and what kind of perspective that gives her on her family's CHD journey. She encourages us & other CHD parents to enjoy the moment we're in with our heart warriors and to not let the past or future hinder it. You'll love hearing from Brittany as much as we did! Our book Hope and Courage: Six Life Lessons from the Parents of a Child with Congenital Heart Disease is available HERE on Amazon! To learn more about it, and all of our other CHD Parent resources, check out www.tomandkathansen.com. Follow us @tomandkathansen on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter Questions or comments? Reach out to us at hello@tomandkathansen.com Please rate, review, and subscribe to The Hope and Courage Podcast for CHD Parents anywhere you listen to podcasts! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tom-and-kat-hansen/message

Despite everything that has occurred, Heather continues to find meaning in her suffering, and this has carried through to the present day.   After Maddie's passing, she will take us along on her mental health journey. Join in on this continued conversation of Heather recovering from her traumas and mental health challenges with greater power and clarity than ever after seeking expert assistance alongside uncovering her secret to perseverance and never giving up.   Questions on this episode: What did you learn out of Maddie's case? How do you think moms should handle guilt?   Key Points: Expressing her feelings to the autopsy results–huge recovery piece for Heather. Confirmation she gets from the autopsy result. Knowing Maddie's quality of life. Heather's mental health struggle. Working through traumas, postpartum depression, and anxiety.  Identifying and working through your triggers.  Pieces that still need to be unfold EMDR Therapy Finding the right therapist.  Heather and Erik: How we are in real life How to handle grief and guilt within yourself and other Heart Moms.  The impact Maddie has made. Quotables: “I have lived through so much trauma. And I don't say that for anybody to feel sorry for me. I tell you that because I want you guys to know that no matter how hard life kicks you in your ass or in your gut, you can get up again. And I promise you that no matter how hard you think it is, you need to keep trying.”

Happy Mardi Gras! Sue and Lana sat down to chat with their very own "heart mom squad crew" about how important it is to connect with other people who have been through what you have. All past podcast guests, Abigail, Ami & Caroline made for a fun episode full of laughs, tears and mom jokes.

Heather's world turned upside down when she found out that her youngest baby girl would be born with a congenital heart defect and Heterotaxy. Heather and her husband came to the conclusion that they had to do everything in their power to provide Madi with the greatest care.   Heart Mom Heather Speakman tells us her Heart Baby story in this episode. Heather has had to deal with the most difficult scenarios when it comes to being a Heart Mom as she fights her daughter's battle with heterotaxy and hypoplastic left heart syndrome.   Follow her as she takes us on a journey filled with love, gratitude, and support through the highs and lows of her experience with a Heart Baby–and shares the purpose that her angel brought to her.   Discussed on this episode: What is Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Heterotaxy? What is ECMO? What does Heather do now? What advice could Heather give to those who experience the same situation as hers?   Key Points: Getting to know Heather Speakman. Maddie as a heart baby Madi's diagnosis Preparing for the worst Finding support with other heart moms and care team The highest and lowest part of being a heart mom. Why did Maddie need to undergo ECMO Series of ups and down Maddue encountered Conversations of Maddie's progress Giving gratitude to medical workers who handled Maddie. The purpose of Maddie was given to Heather. Telling Maddie's story and being a heart baby. Heather as Maddie's voice. Heather's advocacy and awareness towards CHD.   Quotables: "Remind that in every pain even if it sucky, hard, and ugly there's also a purpose in it."   "There is nothing wrong or shameful in accepting help."

This is another episode in our Wednesday Writer Chat mini-series of Heart to Heart with Anna for Heart Month, February 2023.We'll start today's program by learning a bit about Maggie and her daughter's health condition in Segment 1. In the second segment, we'll talk about how Maggie came to write her book for the CHD community and in the final segment we'll get some advice from Maggie and learn what her plans are for the future.Maggie Schmeider is an author and a self-proclaimed dabbler! She loves learning and when she finds something she loves, she pours her heart and soul into making that something little into something big. Her first book was A Very Divvy Day which captures her love for animals, whimsy, and words. Maggie is married to Derek and together they have two daughters–Ebby and Wynnie, dogs Dottie and Archie, and a pet hamster named Divvy! Maggie's second daughter, Wynnie, has had a chronic heart condition which seems to be under better control now, but we'll learn more about that in the first segment.Helpful links:For more info check out Maggie's website: https://www.maggieschmieder.comInstagram: @author_maggie_schmiederFacebook: Author Maggie SchmiederSupport the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

How can a special education teacher's training influence her writing technique when creating her first children's book? What elements of storytelling are important for young children when they are learning new concepts through books? Why did this mother of a baby with Scimitar Syndrome feel she needed to write a book to help other families like her own?Katy Green is married to her husband Scott, and together they have three children: Henry, aged 8, Lyle, aged 6, and Charlotte, aged 4. Charlotte was born with Scimitar syndrome, which consists of several congenital defects. In addition to the syndrome, she was also diagnosed with multiple other complex medical conditions and underwent six surgeries before she was 18 months old. Charlotte is yet to face heart surgery, which she will need at some time in the future. Concerned that Charlotte will be old enough to remember her heart surgery, Katy wanted to help prepare her daughter for this day and build her confidence and resilience. A former educator, she wrote her first children's book "My Scars, My Brave Adventure" to help celebrate differences and surgical scars. Katy and her family live in Chicago, where they love to spend time at parks and museums as a family.Links to Katy Green:www.katygreenauthor.cominstagram: @katygreen_authorLinkedIn: Katy Green Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

Why would a doctor recommend parents take their child to a facility to live his life in the 1980s? Is there ever a good reason to take your child out of the hospital and take him to Disney instead? How did Peg trust her gut when it came to her son needing cardiac transplantation during COVID-19?Peg Eitl is a mom of three children: Joe, 40, Jason, 36, and Lacey, 31. Joe was born with Down Syndrome and a single ventricle heart. Due to his medical complexity and intellectual disability, the doctors advised Peg and her husband Craig to put him in a facility but they would have none of it! Fortunately, they met with cardiologist Dr. Black who encouraged them and gave them hope for Joe. Over the next few years, the new parents worked tirelessly with their son, enrolling him in early intervention, therapies, and extra-curricular activities in between cardiac appointments and procedures including a B-T shunt at 11 months, a Modified Glenn and Fontan at 7 years of age. Throughout his health battle, Joe and his parents have worked together to achieve the best outcomes possible: Joe's determination to survive drove him to be the best he could be, and his parents' advocacy in pushing for the best treatment possible resulted in him being listed for a heart/ liver transplant. This was an especially trying time because they also had to deal with the complexities that COVID-19 required.This episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" features a mom to a special-needs heart warrior who fought valiantly to survive multiple heart procedures, complications, and transplantation. Peg talks candidly with Anna about some of the most significant struggles they've faced, the medical changes their family has seen over the last four decades, and her hopes for the future.Helpful Information about Joe:Facebook - TeamJoeEitlInstagram - @TeamJoe Eitl"Last Chance Transplant" Docuseries on Discovery Plus - Episode 3Joe is also a featured character (DJ Dog) in a children's book on Inclusion called "The Fusion of Inclusion, Where Friends Meat" written by his best friend Mark Graham and Coach Sean Hanleyhttps://www.developmentalfitness.com/meatball-man-and-hoagie-boyThere is an article written by VUMC that can be found here:https://news.vumc.org/2021/12/15/down-syndrome-patient-celebrates-anniversary-of-novel-transplant/Visit our Heart to Heart with Anna Social Media and Podcast pages:Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/H2HwAnnapodcastFB: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/IG: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiTwitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiWebsite: https://tinyurl.com/4kuckfn7YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/HUGpodcastMusic thanks to the Baby Blue Sound Collective - https://tinyurl.com/BBSCmusicSupport the show

How can a family deal with the loss of a child? What happens when a surviving child needs a transplant? What advice does a long-time Heart Mom have for other heart families?Bridgett Streacker has been married to her husband Brian for 34 years. They have four children: Jacob 33, Chesna (stillborn), Mallory (their Heart Warrior), and Haleigh 24. As a family, they have gone through many surgeries and obstacles, heartbreak and triumphs, which have made them closer.  Bridgett describes her Heart Warrior as one of a kind, who never let her CHD define her and lives like there is no tomorrow. The family faced one of its biggest challenges during COVID when Mallory had a heart transplant and was allowed no visitors for her entire hospital stay.In this episode, Bridgett and Anna discuss what it's like to be a CHD family, how they deal with mental health issues, and some advice for other families facing situations such as the ones they've faced.Please visit our Heart to Heart with Anna Social Media and Podcast pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiTwitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwMusic thanks to the Baby Blue Sound Collective - https://music.apple.com/us/album/home-tonight-forever/1201349904Support the show

Why are members of the CHD community more at risk for certain kinds of psychological problems than those outside of the heart world? What makes people more at risk and what can be done about it? Thanks to Covid, people seem more reluctant to leave home for elective medical help so how can people receive treatment within the privacy and safety of their own homes?Amy Bjorkman is the mother to a 17-year-old daughter with a single ventricle heart who has had 6 heart surgeries and spent her first 7 months in the hospital. She is also a licensed psychologist who has specialized in trauma for the last 20 years. She is an expert on how the body holds trauma and the concomitant dysregulation of the nervous system that directly impacts our sense of safety and ability to self-soothe. She works with clients from a somatic perspective to enhance their window of tolerance in managing stress such that they are able to feel more grounded and connected to themselves and others. She has a deep understanding of complex medical trauma from her work, and even more so from her lived experiences as a heart mom.In this episode, Amy talks with Anna about the trauma experienced when a child is born with a congenital heart defect, how it affects the child and family members, and what can be done about it.Please visit our Heart to Heart with Anna Social Media and Podcast pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiTwitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwMusic thanks to the Baby Blue Sound Collective - https://music.apple.com/us/album/home-tonight-forever/1201349904Support the show

At Brita's twenty-week ultrasound, she found out her son had a heart problem. After his birth, they found out it was more than what they expected. Jack was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome which is a form of congenital heart disease. He's already undergone two open heart surgeries and will need a third. She talks to us about everything that entails, what it's like to be a mom to a heart warrior, and so much more.

How can Heart Mom use therapeutic techniques to overcome PTSD and CTSD? What is CTSD anyway? What is mindfulness and how can it help someone suffering from traumatic events?Djinni Yancey is the mother of 3 young adult children. Lauren is 23, Brianna is 21, and Isaac is 19. Isaac is a Heart Warrior who was born with a single ventricle heart. In addition to his congenital heart defect, he has other medical issues. Djinni is a US Navy veteran, a recent college graduate (she graduated in Dec. 2020), and she works full-time in PR for the Federal Government. Officially diagnosed with PTSD (or post-traumatic stress disorder) in 2018 after several panic attacks and mental breakdowns. After several months of therapy, Djinni's therapist suggested she attend a mindfulness group. Fearful of the group at first, it took a lot of encouragement and motivation for her to go, but she has learned that mindfulness is really helpful.Today Djinni and I will be discussing Djinni's history as a Heart Mom, what PTSD and CTSD are, what mindfulness is, and how mindfulness might help other Heart Moms or Heart Parents.Djinni's helpful links:Her Blog:  laughingwarrior.blogspot.com Her LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/in/djinni-yancey-a4855b69 To contact Djinni via email: ceohatsfromheaven@gmail.comDjinni's mindfulness podcastPlease visit our Social Media and Podcast pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwMusic thanks to the Baby Blue Sound Collective - https://music.apple.com/us/album/home-tonight-forever/1201349904Support the show

Reflecting on last week's episode with Katie Palmer, in this Afterthoughts Episode, Kristyn and Erica spent an evening discussing the power of connecting through hearing a person's story, the lack of disability representation in our society, and how certain privileges influence all these themes - even in the rare disease community. Transcription and Merch can be found at www.atypicaltruth.orgInto and Outro Music by AmiinaEpisode Cover Art by Eric McJilton

Kristyn is a fellow medical mom to her son Luke, born with a congenital heart defect and later diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Noonan Syndrome. Throughout this season, Kristyn shares her journey into life as a heart-mom and the conversations she had with many people who have made a lasting impression throughout their complex medical journey. Together, we will learn more about living with Noonan Syndrome, the life of a cardiologist, “sci-fi-style” family planning options, the importance of early childhood therapy services, the beautiful evolution of friendships, the power of love, and the strength of Luke's tribe.

In this episode celebrating 8 years of “Heart to Heart with Anna," we have many of the Hearts Unite the Globe (HUG) Volunteers, the HUG Medical Advisory Board, and our Patrons.Links to participants' past shows (if applicable):Kathy WareA Heart Warrior's Early Onset MenopauseFrom Learning Disabled to College ProfessorPanel Discussion on Labels or Terms Used in the Heart CommunityChris FreemanMarta MonteroCHDs Around The Globe Puerto RicoYou're Never Too Old to Dream a New Dream: Education for Heart ParentsGuerreros Del CorazonDeb GerritsLisa ColvilLisa Colvil: Heart Warrior Author and PoetThree Generations: Heart Warrior, Heart Mom & Heart DaughterBrenda Vignaroli PoolHow Parents' Relationships are Affected by Having a Child with a CHDBelen BlantonHeart Warrior from Venezuela to the USASajani NairMom to an Adult Heart Warrior in IndiaDr. Huie Lin5th Annual Adult Congenital Heart Symposium Dr. Fred WuAdvancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients: Part 1Advancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients: Part 2Coronary Artery Disease in the Congenital Heart Defect CommunityContinuing Education for Understanding the Liver in Fontan PatientsDeena Barber, RNNurse Burnout in the CHD Community Part 1Nurse Burnout in the CHD Community Part 2The Natural Course of Congenital Heart DiseaseA Nurses Perspective: Changes in Care over the last 30 Years: Part 1A Nurses Perspective: Changes in Care over the last 30 Years: Part 2Roslyn Rivera, RNA View From the Other Side of the BedNurse Burnout in the CHD Community Part 1Nurse Burnout in the CHD Community Part 2Congenital Heart Defects Around the Globe: The Novak Cardiac AllianceLaura RedfernInsurance Issues and Financial Planning in the Congenital Heart Defect CommunityBehind the Scenes with Hearts Unite the GlobeEnd-of-Life Financial Planning: Considerations for the Members of the Congenital Heart Defect CommunityAlex JaworskiSports and Extra-Curricular Activities for CHD SurvivorsDavid RichmanCycling Through the PainOther Organizations Mentioned:Belen's websiteZipper SistersSisters by HeartTeam Uncle JoeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

What lessons can we learn from our Heart Warriors? Why might a Heart Mom write a book about her life experiences dealing with CHD? How does a Heart Mom use her personal experiences to fight for others in the hospital?Australian Libby Andrew is a busy mom to four sons: John, 14, Matthew, 12, Stuart, 10, and Daniel, 7. Her youngest son Daniel was born with half a heart. Diagnosed in utero at 20 weeks, Daniel was not expected to survive. He had his first surgery at 21 days old, his second surgery, a Glenn shunt, at 5 months, and a Fontan at 3.5 years of age. Unable to find the resources she needed to guide her on her journey, Libby wrote a book “Living with HALF A HEART: A Mother's Guide to Navigating Fontan Surgery.”   Since his surgeries, Daniel has been thriving - he enjoys being with his older brothers and attends school. Libby's show on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Living-HALF-HEART-Mothers-Navigating/dp/1925884910/refLibby's book in The Heart Community Collection: https://heartcollection.wixsite.com/bookstore/chd-education-wellnessAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (if you'd like to try Buzzsprout for your podcast and get a bonus gift card -- and Anna will, too!) use this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=16817 Links to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Why might a Heart Mom choose to volunteer with an advocacy organization? What can an advocacy organization do to help others learn about congenital heart defects? What are the future plans for Conquering CHD and how can people get involved?Liz Schurrer is mom to eight-year-old Eli, who was prenatally diagnosed with truncus arteriosus. Her family's life changed forever as they were thrown into the CHD world. Eli had his first open-heart surgery at one week old,  his second at age three, and may need another surgery in the future. Liz began volunteering on behalf of all CHD families when Eli was six months old. On Eli's first birthday, she flew to Washington D.C. to advocate for increased research funding on behalf of her son and all those with CHD. She co-founded the Conquering CHD Ohio state chapter. Conquering CHD directly supports CHD patients and families. In 2019, she joined the staff of Conquering CHD. As the Donor Relations Director, she finds it rewarding to work with generous donors who help change the outcomes for CHD patients. Liz has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and lives with her husband Jim and their children Maddie and Eli.In this episode, Liz shares with Anna how it was that she became involved with Conquering CHD and why she felt compelled to help others. She explains how the organization has grown and morphed over the years and what it is that they do on The Hill once a year. Find out how you can also become involved in Conquering CHD and what all advocates for the CHD community need to know in this episode of “Heart to Heart with Anna.”Links mentioned in this episode:Conquering CHD website:  https://www.conqueringchd.org/Registration form for “Not Another Lunch and Learn” — https://conqueringchd.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/conqueringchd/event.jsp?event=39&Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (if you'd like to try Buzzsprout for your podcast and get a bonus gift card -- and Anna will, too!) use this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=16817 Links to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwWebsite: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Heart Warrior Lisa Dang Colvil returns to "Heart to Heart with Anna" but this time she is joined by her mother and her daughter. Lisa was born with a complicated congenital heart defect and Anna talks to her mother, Kim, about her experience fleeing war-torn Vietnam, having a daughter in a country where she barely knew the language, and what it was like to discover her daughter had a heart defect. Anna also talks with Serenity and Lisa about being 1st and 2nd generation Americans, and how different life is here for them compared to the life their mother/grandmother lived.Link mentioned in this episode: Lisa's first appearance on "Heart to Heart with Anna" -- https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/8083369Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (if you'd like to try Buzzsprout for your podcast and get a bonus gift card -- and Anna will, too!) use this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=16817Links to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/ Website: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Mary speaks with Anna Jaworski, she is a heart mom, host of "Heart to Heart with Anna", and writer.  She has been active in the Congenital Heart Defect community for many years. We discussed what it was like to have limited information about CHD when her son, Alexander, was diagnosed, anxiety, and her future book plans. 

What lessons can we learn from our adult Heart Warriors?Why might a Heart Mom write a book about her life experiences dealing with CHD? How does a Heart Mom take her personal experiences to fight for others in the hospital?Jenny Muscatell is a licensed social worker, blogger, author, photographer, and podcaster. She earned her Bachelor’s in Mental Health and Human Services through the University of Maine. She has over two decades of experience in the social services field, specializing in crisis intervention, health systems, and end-of-life care. Deeply passionate about her work, Jenny is regarded as a fierce advocate, earning her the Child Welfare Rising to the Challenge Award. Jenny lives with her husband Dan, and two daughters. Her first daughter Faith was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Jenny shared her life experiences, authoring the Amazon Best Selling book, “The Journey of Faith and an Open Heart” and as a public speaker on multiple platforms. Through faith-filled presentations, heartfelt written words, and photography, Jenny’s mission is to give voice to the vulnerable, hope to the hurting, and to make way for the unspoken to be told.Link mentioned in this podcast:Jenny's websiteAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link (if you'd like to try Buzzsprout for your podcast and get a bonus gift card -- and Anna will, too!)Links to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsiteSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Mary goes back to the beginning with her own Heart Mom, Barb. They discuss the early days, months, and years of Mary's life. From finding out about Mary's congenital heart disease, being on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiac tamponade, anxiety as a heart mom and more.

In this episode, we invite Heart Mom Heather Speakman to share with us her Heart Baby story. As she fights her daughter's battle with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and heterotaxy, Heather has had to face the toughest situations when it comes to being a Heart Mom. Follow her as she takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of her Heart Baby experience filled with love, gratitude, and support. Inspired to help people going through the same situation as her, Heather has spent her life taking care of people by working in the healthcare industry for more than 10 years. Tune in to listen to her story.    KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Heather's Heart Baby experience.   Finding support with other Heart Moms and the care team.   The highest and lowest points of being a Heart Mom.  Having difficult conversations.  The joys and gifts of having a Heart Baby.  Connecting with patients in the healthcare industry. Telling Maddie's story and being a Heart Baby advocate.  Advice on how to show support as a friend.    QUOTABLES: “Everybody tells you that this is your place to call it or this is your boundary, you know, but when you're going through it, you have no idea.” “You can't choose the cars that you've been dealt, but I guarantee you I'm gonna play the hell out of the hand that I have.”   PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Gabi on Instagram @gabigirl34 - https://www.instagram.com/gabigirl34/ Visit her website at https://www.gabigarland.com Resilient Heart is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)   

Gabi's husband Lynden joins us for the second time on the Resilient Heart podcast, this time to tell his side of the story and the many lessons learned from the trials and triumphs of his Heart Baby experience. Lynden shares the dynamics behind their partnership as they navigate the Heart diagnosis and process together, and how he managed his expectations through it all. Tune in for more tips on what to do during a heart pregnancy and find out how he dealt with all his Heart moments, big and small, and as well as how he fulfilled his role as husband and father.    KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The moment Lynden felt something was up.  His reaction to the diagnosis.  Managing hopes and expectations.  His experience of the day of the birth. Being in and enjoying the moments.  Trusting your gut and standing your ground.  Dealing with sending your child to surgeries.  His biggest lessons learned and most valuable advice to give for Heart Parents.    QUOTABLES: “That's the hardest part; the blessing and the curse of being the husband is you realize how removed you are from the actual pregnancy. Like, again, we are not pregnant. You are pregnant. My job is to try to make you as comfortable as possible. But when you have to shoot yourself twice a day with a damn blood thinner, there's not much I can do “ 3:21 “The only advocate that your kid or your loved one has, is you. And so when they're doing something that doesn't quite sound right, or you're telling them to call these people and they haven't really made contact with those people yet, if you've got to be a complete and utter asshole to the point where you're cursing people out and making the doctor feel uncomfortable, then that's what you have to do.” 49:28   PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Gabi on Instagram @gabigirl34 - https://www.instagram.com/gabigirl34/ Visit her website at https://www.gabigarland.com Resilient Heart is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)   

In honor of Heart Month, this month of February will be dedicated to Gabi's baby Lenny, as well as the many countless stories of other Heart Babies. 1 in every 100 babies is born with a heart defect, and if you are a parent struggling with your own Heart story, know that you are not alone in this. Tune in to the first of this Heart Month series as Gabi opens up about her own personal experience as a Heart Mom and shares the many lessons that she learned from her painful but profoundly beautiful journey.    KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Processing the news and having support.  Making the difficult decision of whether to keep a heart baby pregnancy.  The struggles and hurdles after his birth. Practicing gratitude as a Heart Mom.  The importance of finding a good care team.  Lessons learned from her Heart Mom journey.    QUOTABLES: “We as a family are stronger than we've ever been, my husband and I, within our marriage, are happier and stronger than we've ever been. He is not a burden, he never was a burden. It's just understanding how best to take care of him because this was all new for all of us.” “I want you yourself or to trust your instincts and open your mouth and be an advocate. Because when you are helping somebody you love, they need you to speak up when something is rubbing you the wrong way and follow that instinct because the time that I did, probably saved my son's life without a doubt.”   PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED: Follow Gabi on Instagram @gabigirl34 - https://www.instagram.com/gabigirl34/ Visit her website at https://www.gabigarland.com Resilient Heart is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)   

Do Heart Moms who have babies with heart defects have an easier time of things? Why would a Heart Mom write a book? What might entice a Heart Mom to start a podcast? Answers to these questions and more are in this week's episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna."Nicole Groenewald is a Heart Mom to Henry who has HLHS. At the time that Nicole found out about Henry's diagnosis, she felt like she might never be happy again. Her husband had been ill, and the Groenwalds had already filed for bankruptcy due to mounting medical bills. Then one day, she read that babies can feel their mother's emotions before they're born. This set her on a path of changing her emotions and choosing joy. At first, she started with simple things like music and self-care. As her challenges grew in life, she became more determined to pursue a joyful life. Today, she works to inspire and encourage others to pursue joy with intentionality, and has started a website and podcast called "Moms of Heart!" Today, Nicole joins us to talk about her and Henry's journey and the benefits of choosing joy.Links mentioned in this podcast:Nicole's podcast -- Mom's of Heart: http://momsofheart.com/podcast/?fbclid=IwAR0RnRYa4S3boRRr5FCu18M9sEqFXhf0BxpnGqjR0XSKS6dl5pPpRbh9SwMNicole's podcast -- Chase Joy 100 Ways: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chase-joy-100-ways/id1506207814Nicole's Hospital Journal: https://momsofheart.com/shop/hospital-journal/Anna Buzzsprout Affiliate Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=16817Links to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworskiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworskiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/ Website: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Once again we are interviewing a phenomenal person from the OCB Richmond Bodybuilding experience.  Listen as Mrs. Floyd shares the journey of the Heart Mom and Natural Pro World Athlete. Take a break or listen as you go about your daily task.  Take a breath and feed you spirit.  Get present and align yourself with us as we continue to the journey for wellness.  We take care of the things we love! Thank you Tricia! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ricky-martin6/support

Jessica welcomes Kelly Mckee Zajfen, a fellow heart mom and the Co-Founder of Little Minis and Alliance of Moms. Kelly shares the inspiring journey of her daughter Lily and how their family learned to flip the script and proudly embrace Lily's unique heart just the way it is. Kelly gives some advice about how we can all become stronger with community, family, and creation. Follow Kelly on Instagram at @_heartmom_ and visit her Amazon shop at amazon.com/shop/littleminis. Head to the Four Hearts Shop for holiday gifts and visit Jessica at jessicalindberg.com

Hi there, welcome to Purpose by Design. If you or someone you know are looking to adopt - Today Pamela Henkel from Purpose by Design shares her family adoption story. How she and her husband were destined to adopt their six kids. Pamela shares their personal journey through her eyes, as an adoptive mom (aka heart mom). Hear this incredible story of how allowing LOVE to be the compass in life manifested greatness!

Having eight kids in 13 years, I often found it difficult to pay too much attention to the area of mom care. I often felt guilty about not putting everyone else first, but what I discovered was that taking care of myself was an investment in more than just me. Listen in to this short devotional from my book Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart (Amazon) as we look at the deeper reason it's so important to take care of ourselves!

Today I'm kicking off a new series: Room by Room. I've asked six women to join me in tackling various areas in our home. We'll chat about how to keep each space minimal and most efficient for our families. In this episode, Brittany Johnson (creator of the microblog 'Home and Heart Mom') will take us through kitchen decluttering. Show Notes for EP140: Decluttering the Kitchen [Room by Room Series] Enjoy this Podcast? Learning how you can get rid of clutter and live an intentional and purposeful life has never been this simple. If you enjoyed today’s episode of the Minimalist Moms Podcast, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends! Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less.  Questions? You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook. Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit the website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. Episode Sponsored By: Betterhelp & Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Podcast

What is it like to be a physician assistant working in the NICU and then having your firstborn son admitted to the same NICU? Meagan Sheakoski talks to Anna about her experience with Anna after giving birth to a son who had an unknown birth defect. It wasn't until after her son was born that a problem presented itself. Meagan shares what it was like to go from being the expert in the NICU to being the mother of a premature son wondering what was going to happen next.In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Meagan Sheakoski, P.A., and Anna Jaworski talk about Meagan's life choices -- her decision to become a physician assistant, her pregnancy with her son, and her decision to use her experience as a Heart Mom to help other families in the NICU. You won't want to miss this heartwarming interview with 2 Heart Moms.Links to our Social Media and Podcast Pages:Apple Podcasts Facebook YouTube Instagram If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

In this episode, Gabi gets real about depression, anxiety, and PTSD that she has struggled with. These are things that so many people struggle with and this episode shares tangible steps you can take to heal and cope. Having a son with a medically complicated history, being a heart mom, can cause a lot of emotional trauma. Journaling, meditation, and therapy are some of the actions that helped Gabi, and that can help you too!

Heart Mom and Registered Nurse, Lori Irvin, joins Anna in this July 2020 episode to talk about COVID-19 and a complication that happens in some children called "MIS-C." Lori joins Anna to talk about the challenges and concerns surrounding coronavirus for families with a child who has a congenital heart defect (or CHD) and offers her perspectives and guidance for staying safe, as well as providing information on what we know about symptoms and treatment for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but devastating complication of COVID-19.Article Mentioned in the PodcastPost-Intensive Care Syndrome by the Cleveland ClinicPlease visit our Social Media and Podcast pages:Apple PodcastsFacebook YouTube Instagram If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

On this episode we meet my friend Madison. Madison is a heart mom and full of heart. She reminds us what is important and that tomorrow will be a better day.

Heart Mom veterans and dear friends, Helen Simpson and Anna Jaworski discuss a concern they have regarding the mental health needs of women whose babies have been identified with congenital heart defects and need surgery. As mothers of young adults with congenital heart defects, they talk about their own stories of diagnosis and treatment of their children's conditions and how it made them feel, how they dealt with their children's hospital stays and what they believe could help both mothers and children alike when they are in the hospital together. They also explore the kind of support that was available to them over twenty years ago versus the support that is available to heart families today and share their hard-earned advice with newly identified heart families.Links mentioned on this episode:Baby Hearts Press: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/shop-baby-hearts-press.html/Little Hearts Matter: https://www.lhm.org.uk/Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugpodcastnetwork/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Texas Heart Mom, Staci Geiger, has experienced the trauma of handing her son over to surgeons far too many times. This experience left her grateful for the amazing care her son received and feeling blessed for his resilience and fortitude but it also left her wondering how people without the support she had could possibly go through the same journey she went through with her son's medical problems.A mother, teacher and friend in the heart community, Staci decided to start a nonprofit organization to assist Christians facing the same trauma she experienced. Armed with compassion and a strong faith in God, she is working to provide support and comfort to others in the congenital heart defect community.Tune in to this new podcast to hear Staci share her story about her son's medical journey, why and how she started a nonprofit organization and what her vision for the future is.To visit Daniel's Lion Heart Foundation, go to: www.danielslionheart.comPlease take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugpodcastnetwork/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Marie O’Donnell is Heart Mom to Anna who was born with complex, congenital heart disease. Anna is a Fontan Warrior and has been a model cardiac patient for more than a decade. Anna was born with double outlet right ventricle, complete atrioventricular canal defect, patent ductus, heterotaxy syndrome, ADHD and anxiety disorder. Marie O’Donnell is a return Guest. During Season 2, Marie joined Kathy Baker and Dawn Silverman in an episode entitled, “Making Memories Every Day.” Marie is a schoolteacher and has worked with the Make a Wish Foundation as a Wish Granter.In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Marie talks with Anna about her daughter's experience after she contracted the flu. Is there a connection between heart defects, the flu, and arthritis? Tune in to hear what Marie's motherly instinct believes about her daughter's chronic illness.Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5ZwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugpodcastnetwork/If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeartSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Being a mother is an attitude, not Biology. That is our tagline and that's what this entire episode is about.  SHARI WALKER is a former foster youth who entered the foster care system at age fourteen. She talks about different mothering she received from her birth mom (Bio Mom) and "the first person who wasn't being paid to be with her" (her Heart Mom) after she aged out of the foster care system. Shari graduated from California State University Northridge, where she majored in African American Studies with an emphasis on Social Science. She is in currently obtaining her Master of Social Work at the USC and continues to write and produce theater and poetry that brings awareness surrounding the transitional experiences after leaving foster care. Shari is currently a part of an ensemble theater performance directed by Kathleen Rubin called "It's Just My Life" where she was able to write "Heart Mom, Bio Mom" during the creative writing workshops. Her one-woman show production to bring awarenesses about youth transitioning out of care entitled Sugar-Free: Foster Care Cognitive Dissonance was selected to receive one of the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival scholarships.  Shari Walker is a renowned keynote speaker and spoken word artist within LA County and currently sits on the Leadership Corp for both The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) Homeless Action Committee, steered by board member and U.S. Representative Karen Bass, and the Alumni Empowerment Council, steered by members The United Friends of The Children. Shari hopes to combine her personal experience and current academia to create social change by spreading awareness through the creative arts for disconnected and transition age foster youth who are exiting care.  If it's not 1 Thing, explores the topic of 'mother' from every angle imaginable and some you have not thought of. Each week, hosts Katie Mitchell and Lupe Padilla Mitchell share a new story and have great conversations with the writers, many of whom are in fact not writers by trade. We have excerpts from best selling novels, memoirs, poetry award winners, songwriters, stay at home moms, insurance brokers, teachers, actors, college students and beyond. Some famous. Some not at all. But they all have incredible tales to tell. Story is in our DNA. It's how we make sense of the world around us. We have so much to teach each other. We welcome you to rate and review us.  Follow us on social media or on our website  

Roseann Franco returns to "Heart to Heart with Anna" for another episode to talk about the lessons she has learned over the last five decades raising a son with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (also known as L-TGA). She shares with Anna what she did to try to make life as normal as possible for David and some of the ways she knew that David felt anything but normal. In this candid interview, you'll see how even though love cannot cure a congenital heart defect, it can go a long way toward helping a person live a meaningful life of faith.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Aubrey Byrnes is a rare mom - she's the mother of Wyatt Nathan Arthur Byrnes, aged 5, and Colton Paul Byrnes, aged 4. Wyatt was born 13 weeks premature and had a rough medical journey. Colton, AKA Superman without a Cape, was born with VACTERL Association, a disorder that affects many body systems. VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. As part of his condition, Colton has multiple CHDs including truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and right aortic arch. During his short life Colton has had 52 procedures, including 6 heart catheterizations and 4 open-heart surgeries. Aubrey is married to Rick and together they have a unique, rare outlook on life which has helped them stay together. Aubrey studied American Sign Language Interpreting at Augustana University and works as a freelance interpreter/translator.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

The Spice Girls did it. Boyz 2 Men did it. And now your heroes are honouring the ladies in their lives with a special Mother's Day tribute episode. Learn what gifts not to buy her, who ended up being the best TV mom, and if you are your mom's favourite child. And as 'Creepy Uncle Manny' says, make sure to text your mom after listening to the episode. But JUST a text!

Kristi Gimpel has a remarkable story. As a little girl, her younger sister had to undergo multiple open-heart surgeries. Kristi tells Anna about who took care of her, how she felt about her sister, especially when other children were curious about her sister's condition and how her mother taught her to be an advocate instead of being angry. Unbeknownst to Kristi, her first child would also be born with a congenital heart defect. Kristi shares the story of her pregnancy and her daughter's birth with Anna and she gives advice to parents in families where there is a heart-healthy child as well as a child with a chronic illness.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Welcome to the "Living Stories" Podcast (Formally Stories of Freedom) Kayla Krische --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livingstories/support

Steffe Becker is in a unique position. She is the sister to a brother with a congenital heart defect (CHD). She was born with a heart defect herself and she is the mother of twins. One of the twins was born with a heart defect. Tune in to today's program to hear what life was like for Steffe growing up in the 1970s and 1980s with a heart defect and what it was like to have children in the 2000s -- one with a heart defect and one heart healthy. She has a unique historical perspective and she shares with Anna what it was like to grow up in a "heart family" and what is normal for her and her family.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

It is a commonly known fact in the congenital heart defect (CHD) community that now there are more adults alive with CHDs than babies being born. That means we have more people reaching adulthood than ever before and that means that more people than ever before have had to make the transitions from infancy to adulthood with a special heart. What does that mean for children born with critical congenital heart defects? What special struggles might they face? How can parents help their children to transition over the course of their lives? What do parents need to do to help their children become independent and successful? If infants are diagnosed as a "special needs children" will they ever be able to shake that label to live "normal" lives? Vicki Lucas, special educator and Heart Mom, shares her stories about watching her son, Alex (born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or HLHS) go from infancy to adulthood. She expounds upon some of the struggles Alex endured and how he has achieved success as an adult. You won't want to miss this inspiring program.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

This season we're focusing on education for Heart Warriors and today's show exemplifies how learning is a life-long process. Today's show deals not only with how Heart Warriors can continue their eduation about congenital heart defects (CHDs), but how the entire CHD community can continue to become better education about heart issues. Perhaps even more importantly, today's episode speaks directly to how the CHD community can grow by having families and the professionals who serve them come together. Find out how the Atlantic Canadian region services their CHD community through the development of support groups (both online and face-to-face), conferences and summer camps specifically for Heart Warriors. Today's Guest is Heart Mom and Braveheart Support Society Founder, Yarrow Gillis. She'll entertain us with stories about the growth and development of multiple resources for the CHD community and how Listeners can take advantage of those resources, even if they don't live iSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Guest Host, Rita Scoggins, interviews Heart Warrior, Laura Ryan, today about what it was like to raise two children. Laura Ryan is a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and DILV (or double inlet left ventricle) Heart Warrior. Rita Scoggins is a Heart Mom to a single ventricle Heart Warrior. They talk about what it means to raise children and what special challenges Laura faced raising her two sons Jed and Liam. What differences are there between Laura's childhood and her children's childhoods? How was she able to cope with raising the children when they were younger and as they grew up? What does Laura look forward to in the future? Tune in to hear answers to these questions and more!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

One of the problems many of our CHD children suffer from is "Failure to Thrive" and because the children with critical congenital heart defects usually have surgery within the first days or months of their lives, they may develop oral aversion (very probably because of being intubated for extended periods of time). Because many of our children have oral aversion, they frequently do not like foods of certain textures. This can make feeding our CHD children a great challenge. If you are suffering from this situation, this show is one you shouldn't miss! Our Guests today include Heart Mom, Danielle Leppo, and pediatric dietician, Kristi King. The discuss the diagnosis of Failure to Thrive and why some babies and children with congenital heart defects suffer from oral aversions and poor nutrition and what parents can do about it. Listen to our show to hear of others who have dealt with these issues and find out how they have overcome problems. There is hope!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)