Revitalize your spirit and connect with the vibrant congenital heart defect (CHD) community through 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' the pioneering podcast that has been inspiring and informing listeners since 11-12-13. Join us as we dive deep into the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of Survivors, their loved ones, esteemed medical professionals, and other remarkable individuals within the CHD community. With unwavering dedication, our heartfelt conversations bring to light the storie ...
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From Heart Block to Myotonic Dystrophy: A Survivor's Tale
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Send us a Text Message. What if your heart's rhythm was out of sync from birth, yet you persevered to defy medical odds? Join us as Gwenyth Murphy, a resilient second-generation congenital heart defect survivor, shares her compelling journey of managing complete heart block and other heart conditions. From coping with an abnormally low heart rate a…
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Navigating Life with HLHS and Marfan Syndrome: Rachael's Powerful Story
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32:12
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32:12
Send us a Text Message. Discover the remarkable resilience of Rachael Gott, our extraordinary guest born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Despite her condition remaining uncorrected, Rachel has navigated a complex medical journey, including ten cardiac ablations and two device implants, all while avoiding open-heart surgeries. Rachael a…
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Chapter 10: Life Lessons from Congenital Heart Defects: Stories of Hope and Resilience
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Send us a Text Message. What happens when resilience meets a congenital heart defect? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journeys of women who have turned their medical challenges into stories of hope and triumph. Begin with Emily Falcon's deeply moving "A Letter to my Younger Self," where she offers wisdom and reflections that will resonate w…
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Chapter 9 of "The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Featuring Heart Warrior Authors
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47:06
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Send us a Text Message. How do heart warriors find incredible strength amidst life's most challenging moments? In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we bring you deeply touching and empowering stories from individuals who have triumphed over congenital heart defects (CHD). Join us as Megan Tones sets the stage with an introduction to Chapt…
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"The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Chapter 8 Featuring Megan Tones and Julie Kerr
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Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a heartfelt community can transform lives through stories and shared experiences? Join me on this special episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" as I express my gratitude for the overwhelming birthday wishes from the congenital heart defect community. You'll be introduced to the latest literary gem from Baby…
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Heart Warrior Transformations: From Challenges to Creative Triumphs
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Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how living with a congenital heart defect can shape one's life journey? This week, we’re diving into the remarkable stories of heart warriors, those extraordinary individuals who navigate life with congenital heart defects. I'm Anna Jaworski, and in this episode, we explore the powerful metaphor of tra…
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Navigating Parenthood with a Congenital Heart Defect During Covid-19: Amelia Woods' Journey
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Send us a Text Message. What happens when you're expecting a baby with a congenital heart defect during a global pandemic? Join me, Anna Jaworski, as I sit down with Amelia Woods, a courageous heart mom who faced this exact challenge. Amelia shares the emotional rollercoaster of managing her son Henderson's dextrotransposition of the great arteries…
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Navigating Romantic Life with a Heart Condition: Insights from Dr. Corinne Smorra
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Send us a Text Message. What happens when your heart condition becomes part of your dating narrative? Today on Heart to Heart with Anna, we welcome back Dr. Corinne Smorra, a psychotherapist and adult living with congenital heart defects (CHD). Dr. Smorra opens up about her personal journey with truncus arteriosus and sheds light on the myths and m…
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James Robinson's Emotional Odyssey: Love and Loss in a Heart Family
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Send us a Text Message. What happens when your entire world is defined by hospital walls and medical jargon? On "Heart to Heart with Anna," we share the poignant and raw journey of James Robinson, a father who walks us through the emotional highs and profound lows of raising his son Nadav, who was born with a congenital heart defect known as single…
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Heartfelt Battles to Artistic Revelations with Amy Milz
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31:08
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Send us a Text Message. Amy Milz opens her heart to us—quite literally—in a candid recount of her life as a congenital heart defect survivor. With grace and vulnerability, she takes us through the paces of her medical odyssey, from the relentless advocacy of her mother to her personal victories in the operating room. Each scar tells a story of resi…
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Mother's Day Reflections: The Valor and Vitality of Heart Moms
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Send us a Text Message. When Hope's first breaths were intertwined with the whispers of uncertainty, my world changed. As a heart mom, each Mother's Day is not just a celebration but a milestone, reflecting the grit and grace it takes to raise a child with a congenital heart defect. Join me, Anna Jaworski, in an episode where we explore the deep em…
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The Courageous Chronicle of Hope: From Heart Surgery to Self-Discovery
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Send us a Text Message. When my daughter Hope graced the podcast with her presence, her story wasn't just a chronicle of living with a single ventricle heart at 29—it was a profound testament to her strength amid her gender transition. Our conversation unveils the seamless integration of her heart health with her journey of self-discovery, all whil…
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Embracing Life's Pulse Amidst HLHS and PLE Hurdles with Hollie Stephenson
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36:18
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Send us a Text Message. Witnessing your child's bravery and resilience as they navigate a life-altering condition like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is both harrowing and inspiring. Hollie Stephenson joins Anna to share the profound story of her son Tom, who not only fought through the early challenges of HLHS but also the complex battle w…
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Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Raising Children with Congenital Heart Defects
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Send us a Text Message. When your child's heartbeat is a symphony laced with irregularities, every moment becomes a measure of uncertainty. This is the world heart moms like myself, Anna Jaworski, and my guest Kelsi Rogers live in every day. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the mental marathon of raising children with congenital heart defects…
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Heart Mom Kelsi Rogers on Jett's Electrical Problems with His Heart
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Send us a Text Message. 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…
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An Author for CHD Adults with Learning Disabilities: Deanna Altomara
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58:07
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Send us a Text Message. As an author myself, I understand the power of stories to heal and inspire. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Deanna Altomara, who created "Chrysalis," a book to help people facing open-heart surgery. Born with a congenital heart defect herself, Deanna understands what it means to have had open-heart surgery. Deanna's tal…
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Shattering Stereotypes in the World of Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects
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Send us a Text Message. When Ellen Boyer's voice joins the conversation, the room lights up with an array of heartfelt stories and powerful messages. Together, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by shattering stereotypes and trumpeting the accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. From the awe-inspiring feat of Chris Nikic, the first athlete w…
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Ellen Boyer and World Down Syndrome Day 2024 & Volume Two: Endurance!
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Send us a Text Message. When Ellen Boyer graced our show with her story of love and resilience, it was clear that her daughter Brett, who blessed the world with her presence despite Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, has sparked a legacy that transcends every stereotype. Through the Brett Boyer Foundation, Ellen's dedication to challengin…
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Learning about Anesthesia During Ablations & Volume Two!
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Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna we welcome Frank Jaworski back to the program. Frank shares information about anesthesia when patients go to the electrophysiology lab (EP lab), especially when they need to undergo an ablation. Frank is a certified, registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and he has been delivering an…
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Embracing the Heartbeat of Motherhood: Meagan Houpt’s Adoption Journey
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Send us a Text Message. When Megan Houpt made the heart-wrenching decision to pursue adoption over pregnancy due to her heart condition, it struck a chord with me as a heart mom. Together, we unfold her narrative in this episode, navigating the complexities of adoption with a CHD. From the intricate dance of home studies to the emotional synergy wi…
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Resilience in Motion: The Unseen Struggles of Adult Life with Congenital Heart Defects
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Send us a Text Message. Navigating life with congenital heart defects (CHD) is a journey of resilience and emotional fortitude. As I converse with my fellow heart mom, Rita Scoggins, we unearth the layers of complexity that come with raising adult children affected by CHD. This episode goes beyond the clinical; it’s an intimate foray into the emoti…
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Threads of Resilience Sewn by Heart Moms and Their Children with CHDs
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58:22
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Send us a Text Message. Navigating the torrent of emotions that come with being a heart mom to an adult child, Rita Scoggins and I, Anna Jaworski, unfold the layers of our unique journey. Our intimate conversation traverses the evolution of care, from the hands-on nurturing of our children's younger years to the complexities of supporting their mat…
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Heart Month News February 2024 and an Audiobook Surprise!
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Send us a Text Message. This episode of Heart to Heart with Anna involves news regarding Heart Month 2024. In this episode, you’ll learn about who our guest next week will be, how Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day came to be and what it has evolved to. You’ll also learn about how Baby Hearts Press, a publishing company devoted to the CHD commun…
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Enriching Lives with CHD Support Networks and Healing Stories
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47:54
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Send us a Text Message. Embark with us as we illuminate the enduring pulse of Hearts Unite the Globe, the non-profit championing an array of deeply impactful podcasts. From the heartfelt dialogues of Heart to Heart with Anna to the comforting echoes of Bereaved but Still Me, we're uniting voices across the congenital heart disease (CHD) community. …
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From Manuscript to Masterpiece: Tales of Tenacity and Triumph
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47:27
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Send us a Text Message. Ever wonder about the emotional odyssey of creating a book that captures the essence of human resilience? My co-editor Megan Tones and I, Anna Jaworski, take you on the intimate trek behind "The Heart of a Heart Warrior," from the flicker of an idea to the jubilance of publication. Our conversation unwraps the passion and de…
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Embracing Healing: The Synergy of Functional Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Spirituality
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56:14
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Send us a Text Message. Have you ever felt the tug of curiosity towards an approach to mental health that strays from the conventional path? Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Valerie Chavez MD and Ryan Hunter to share their insights on functional medicine's transformative role in mental health care, especially for those touched by congenital heart def…
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Uniting Hearts: A Decade of Hope, Support, and Volunteerism
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21:10
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Send us a Text Message. 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 stor…
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Finding Hope Amidst Long Q-T Syndrome: Jackie Renfrow's Journey
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Send us a Text Message. Imagine living in a family where sudden deaths were a tragic norm. That's the reality heart mom Jackie Renford faced before the fateful identification of Long Q-T Syndrome, a genetic heart condition, in her family. Her misdiagnosis and the subsequent loss of her son and daughter have inspired her to become an advocate for ea…
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Battling Congenital Heart Defects: The Extraordinary Stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel's Friendship, Advocacy, and Resilience
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32:37
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Send us a Text Message. How does a young child learn to fight, to survive, and even thrive when they're born battling a congenital heart defect? Join us as we journey through the inspiring life stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel, two extraordinary women who refused to let their heart conditions define them. Emily, born with the rare ALCAPA--Anomalou…
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Exploring Functional Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils and Holistic Health Approaches
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53:53
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Send us a Text Message. Have you ever considered how your lifestyle choices could be affecting your health? Ever wondered about the benefits of essential oils or how to improve your gut health? Then you're in the right place. In a riveting discourse with renowned Valerie Chavez, MD, and Ryan Hunter, we delve into the heart of Functional Medicine. T…
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Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered about the strength that it takes to parent a heart warrior child? What does the journey of raising a child with a congenital heart defect look like? Meet Alison and Brian Blankenship, parents to two children, one of whom is a heart warrior named Ian. Ian was born with a critical congenital heart defect…
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An Unseen Threat: The Cody Watkins Story of Heart Failure and Recovery
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53:14
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Send us a Text Message. Meet Cody Watkins, a beacon of resilience and health, who brushed against mortality when he discovered a congenital heart problem lurking beneath his ripped physique. Unaware of the ticking time bomb in his chest for 30 years, Cody offers a riveting recount of his journey within the world of bodybuilding, his shocking discov…
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Navigating the Journey of Parenting Children with Autism and Congenital Heart Defects: A Heartfelt Conversation and Advocacy
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41:00
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41:00
Send us a Text Message. As a heart mom myself, I know firsthand the unique challenges that come with raising a child with both a congenital heart defect and autism. That's why I invited Melanie Letzer and Kelly Blumenthal to join me for a candid conversation about their experiences navigating this complex journey. Together, we discuss the importanc…
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Cardiac Chronicles and Community Connections: Leigh Kamping-Carder's Story
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Send us a Text Message. What if you could find a space to share your story, ask questions, and connect with others living with congenital heart conditions? Join me as I chat with Leigh Kamping-Carder, founder and writer of "The Heart Dialogues," a free newsletter that does just that. We discuss Leigh's own experience of living with tricuspid atresi…
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Heart Mom and Heart Daughter on Being a Mom
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43:01
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43:01
Send us a Text Message. 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 M…
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Send us a Text Message. What is myocardial bridging? Why might someone with myocardial bridging have a heart attack? What is The Heart Chamber? Boots Knighton is a 45-year-old myocardial bridging survivor from Victor, Idaho, and an avid mountain biker. She suffered a heart attack while biking when she was in her 40s. To correct the myocardial bridg…
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Mended Little Hearts Austin, Texas Coordinator: Dana Henning!
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Send us a Text Message. Dana Henning is mother to Evan Henning, who is a 12-year-old Heart Warrior born with a critical congenital heart defect. Evan has has multiple procedures and open-heart surgeries. His life is very full of therapy appointments, homeschool activities, and extra-curricular activities such as Special Olympics and track. Dana is …
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Vicky Gooden: 2022 Baby Hearts Press People’s Choice Award Winner
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33:52
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Send us a Text Message. Today's episode features Vicky Gooden, the author of My Wonder Line and the winner of the 2022 Baby Hearts Press People’s Choice Award. In this episode, we will hear about how Vicky came to write her book, what it meant to her to win the BHP People’s Choice Award, and what the future holds for this very special author and he…
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How Can You Do Heart Surgery Through a Hole in the Groin?
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Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the 4th and final Medical Monday mini-series episode of Heart to Heart with Anna for Heart Month, February 2023. How can you do heart surgery through a hole in the groin? It seems like magic, but is it? What is a Maze Procedure? Why might someone need a pacemaker, even if they've had an ablation? How can heart val…
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Send us a Text Message. This is the final Heart Dad Sunday mini-series episode for Heart Month, February 2023. Frank Jaworski, Anna Jaworski's husband, and Heart Dad to a single ventricle heart warrior is back as the Guest Host. In this episode he interviews Dan Rodenbaugh. Dan is father to Caylee Rodenbaugh, who was born on June 26, 2009, at St. L…
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The Heart of a Heart Warrior Book Project
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Send us a Text Message. This is our final episode for our Saturday Success Stories mini-series for Heart Month, February 2023, and it's hard to imagine any greater success story than the 40 Heart Warriors who have come together to create an amazing anthology called The Heart of a Heart Warrior: Congenital Heart Defect Stories of Hope. This is the b…
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Send us a Text Message. With congenital heart defects being the #1 birth defect around the globe, there are many people touched by this condition. At least 1% of the population is born with a heart defect. Many of them will be innocent murmurs that will close up on their own. But some people have more serious heart conditions. In this special mini-…
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CHD Spotlight #4: Transposition of the Great Arteries
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Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the 4th CHD Spotlight episode for Heart Month 2023. Our Expert Guest is HUG MAB member, Chris Donald. Chris Donald is a pediatric cardiology nurse and she was born with a complex congenital heart defect. Chris Donald also serves on the Hearts Unite the Globe Medical Board. Today's CHD Spotlight is on a type of hea…
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Send us a Text Message. Here is another episode in our Wednesday Writer Chat series of “Heart to Heart with Anna.” This is a special mini-series produced for Heart Month, February 2023. Today’s show is Beauty Queen Author and our Guest is Faith Brackett. We’ll start today’s program by learning a bit about Faith and her health condition in Segment 1…
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Warrior Pets and More with Lilac Lumpkin!
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30:58
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Send us a Text Message. How can one mom make a difference when it comes to children born with special needs? What kind of comfort and support is available to children living with a range of illnesses and disabilities? How can you get involved in helping our most vulnerable children feel supported? Lilac Lumpkin is a mom to angel Heart Warrior Jaxon…
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A Parent Heart-Lung Machine: The Ultimate Gift
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Send us a Text Message. This is the 3rd episode in our Medical Monday mini-series for Heart Month, February 2023. What pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon seemed "too Hollywood"? Why? What is cross circulation and what was this experimental technique the predecessor of? This Medical Monday episode deals with an amazing experimental surgical technique …
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Carl Wolford: Heart Warrior, Dad, and Grandfather
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Send us a Text Message. Here is another Heart Dad Sunday episode for Heart Month, February 2023. Like the other two episodes, this episode also features Heart Dad Frank Jaworski as the Guest Host. Today's Guest is Carl Wolford. Carl Wolford was born with total anomalous pulmonary venous return or TAPVR and had surgery by Dr. Denton Cooley at 4 mont…
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Send us a Text Message. Why would a pair of teen sisters be interested in working with the American Heart Association? How can these sisters make a difference? How much money do these young ladies plan to raise and how can you get involved? This is the 2nd Saturday Success Story in our Heart Month 2023 mini-series! This features two sisters who hav…
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Send us a Text Message. With congenital heart defects being the #1 birth defect around the globe, there are many people touched by this condition. At least 1% of the population is born with a heart defect. Many of them will be innocent murmurs that will close up on their own. But some people have more serious heart conditions. In this special mini-…
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Send us a Text Message. This is the 3rd episode in our CHD Spotlight mini-series and we'll be talking about Tetralogy of Fallot. Our expert Guest is Roslyn Rivera and she is a pediatric cardiology nurse who was also born with a congenital heart defect. In this episode, Roslyn shares with Anna what tetralogy of Fallot is, who coined the term for thi…
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