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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"Bereaved But Still Me" is a podcast for the bereaved community that was formerly known as "Heart to Heart with Michael." As we entered Season 5, we decided to rebrand our podcast to make it easier for the bereaved community to find us. We are happy to announce that "Heart to Heart with Michael," was nominated for a 2020 WEGO Health Award. "Heart to Heart with Michael" was a finalist in the Health Podcast category. This was a great honor for our podcast. "Bereaved But Still Me" is a product ...
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Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence
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Send us a text Unlock the latest in cardiac neurodevelopmental research with Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a distinguished clinical neuropsychologist, as we navigate the complexities of how congenital heart defects (CHDs) impact children's neurodevelopment. Discover the groundbreaking strides made by the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC), …
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Heart to Heart LIVE : An Open Mic with Anna and Her Community
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Send us a text How do families navigate the uncharted waters of raising children with congenital heart disease (CHD)? Join us on a groundbreaking episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, where we host our very first live show with a studio audience! With guests like Amanda, Joey, Michael, Ayrton, Regina, Rachel, and Chris, you'll hear raw and honest co…
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Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Writing with Megan Tones and Sheri Turner
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Send us a text How do you condense a lifetime of experiences into a single essay? Megan Tones reveals the challenges and triumphs of contributing to the "Heart of a Heart Warrior" anthology, where she found a way to spotlight positivity amid adversity. Joined by Sheri Turner, a supportive beta reader and CHD advocate, we explore how storytelling ca…
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From Diagnosis to Advocacy: The Brave Little Hearts South Africa Story
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Send us a text What does it take to recognize the early signs of congenital heart defects (CHD) in a newborn? In this emotionally charged episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we welcome Raadhiyah Matthews, who recounts her harrowing journey with her daughter Thaakirah. From the initial dismissals by medical professionals to the profound struggles…
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Honoring a Beacon of Strength: Uri Lahav's Life and Legacy
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How do you measure the impact of a life well-lived, especially when that life is cut short by illness? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Uri Lahav through the heartfelt stories of his parents, Elisheva and Michael. From their daring move from the United States to Israel to raising a family in a foreign land amid the backdrop of war, t…
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Honoring a Beacon of Strength: Uri Lahav's Life and Legacy
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Send us a text How do you measure the impact of a life well-lived, especially when that life is cut short by illness? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Uri Lahav through the heartfelt stories of his parents, Elisheva and Michael. From their daring move from the United States to Israel to raising a family in a foreign land amid the bac…
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Unexpected Diagnoses: DiGeorge (22q11.2 deletion) Syndrome in the Lawrence Family
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Send us a text What would you do if you suddenly discovered that multiple members of your family were living with an intricate genetic condition? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Regina Lawrence as she opens up about her family's journey with DiGeorge syndrome (a.k.a. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome). From the moment they learned about Aubrey's …
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Discovering a Myocardial Bridge at 65: Jeff's Journey to Heart Health Advocacy
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Send us a text Have you ever ignored a small discomfort only to realize it was something far more serious? Join us on "Heart to Heart with Anna" for an eye-opening conversation with Jeff, the creator and host of a non-profit podcast network, who discovered a congenital heart defect called a myocardial bridge at the age of 65. Jeff recounts his terr…
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From Heart Block to Myotonic Dystrophy: A Survivor's Tale
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Send us a text 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 as a child…
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Navigating Life with HLHS and Marfan Syndrome: Rachael's Powerful Story
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Send us a text 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 also faces…
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Balancing Love and Reality in Dementia Caregiving: Insights from Karmon Hill
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Have you ever wondered how to navigate the emotional maze of caring for a parent with dementia? Join us as Karmon Hill opens her heart and shares her poignant journey of moving her mother across states and ultimately finding her a memory care facility. We discuss the delicate balance of respecting her mother’s past as an esteemed educator while con…
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Balancing Love and Reality in Dementia Caregiving: Insights from Karmon Hill
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Send us a text Have you ever wondered how to navigate the emotional maze of caring for a parent with dementia? Join us as Karmon Hill opens her heart and shares her poignant journey of moving her mother across states and ultimately finding her a memory care facility. We discuss the delicate balance of respecting her mother’s past as an esteemed edu…
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Chapter 10: Life Lessons from Congenital Heart Defects: Stories of Hope and Resilience
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35:54
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Send us a text 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 with anyon…
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Chapter 9 of "The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Featuring Heart Warrior Authors
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Send us a text 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 Chapter 9, fol…
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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 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 Hearts P…
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Heart Warrior Transformations: From Challenges to Creative Triumphs
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Send us a text 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 transformati…
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Addressing an Emerging Need: The Autism and Grief Project
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Guests: Dr. Ken Doka, Senior Vice President of Grief Programs at the Hospice Foundation of America Amy Tucci, President and CEO of the Hospice Foundation of America Alex LaMorie Advisory Board Member of the Autism and Grief Project Overview of the Autism and Grief Project: Website launched in September 2022 to provide grief resources for autistic a…
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Addressing an Emerging Need: The Autism and Grief Project
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Send us a text Guests: Dr. Ken Doka, Senior Vice President of Grief Programs at the Hospice Foundation of America Amy Tucci, President and CEO of the Hospice Foundation of America Alex LaMorie Advisory Board Member of the Autism and Grief Project Overview of the Autism and Grief Project: Website launched in September 2022 to provide grief resources…
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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 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 (d-TGA) …
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Navigating Romantic Life with a Heart Condition: Insights from Dr. Corinne Smorra
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Send us a text 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 misconcept…
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James Robinson's Emotional Odyssey: Love and Loss in a Heart Family
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Send us a text 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 ventricl…
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Honoring a Mother’s Strength and Love: The Liben Family Stories
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Send us a text Can a mother’s love shape an entire family’s destiny? Join us for a deeply moving tribute to Zipporah Liben, the resilient mother of host Michael Liben and a beacon of strength for her family. Alongside Michael are his siblings, Shirah Ozery and Rabbi Dan Liben, and guest host Anna Jaworski. They come together to share intimate stori…
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Honoring a Mother’s Strength and Love: The Liben Family Stories
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Can a mother’s love shape an entire family’s destiny? Join us for a deeply moving tribute to Zipporah Liben, the resilient mother of host Michael Liben and a beacon of strength for her family. Alongside Michael are his siblings, Shirah Ozery and Rabbi Dan Liben, and guest host Anna Jaworski. They come together to share intimate stories and memories…
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Heartfelt Battles to Artistic Revelations with Amy Milz
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Send us a text 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 resilience an…
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Mother's Day Reflections: The Valor and Vitality of Heart Moms
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Send us a text 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 emotional l…
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The Courageous Chronicle of Hope: From Heart Surgery to Self-Discovery
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Send us a text 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 while providi…
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A Parent’s Tale of Grief, Special Needs and the Healing Power of Writing
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Join us in this episode as our host Michael Liben opens up about the complexities of explaining death to his children and welcomes the insights of James Robinson who did likewise with his little ones. Together, they'll explore James' son Nadav's impactful life, marked by a congenital heart defect, and the unwavering spirit it revealed. His story, t…
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A Parent’s Tale of Grief, Special Needs and the Healing Power of Writing
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Send us a text Join us in this episode as our host Michael Liben opens up about the complexities of explaining death to his children and welcomes the insights of James Robinson who did likewise with his little ones. Together, they'll explore James' son Nadav's impactful life, marked by a congenital heart defect, and the unwavering spirit it reveale…
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Embracing Life's Pulse Amidst HLHS and PLE Hurdles with Hollie Stephenson
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Send us a text 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 with prote…
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Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Raising Children with Congenital Heart Defects
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Send us a text 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 (CHD). O…
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Toni Alexander: Taking Small Steps Through Grief's Passage of Time
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How can a person suffering tremendous loss get unstuck in grief? Have you ever felt as though you’re wearing cement boots of grief? How can we move forward in our grief? Join us in this fascinating episode with Toni Alexander. As a bereaved person herself, Toni Alexander attacks the grief process from within. As an author, she looks on grief from a…
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Toni Alexander: Taking Small Steps Through Grief's Passage of Time
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Send us a text How can a person suffering tremendous loss get unstuck in grief? Have you ever felt as though you’re wearing cement boots of grief? How can we move forward in our grief? Join us in this fascinating episode with Toni Alexander. As a bereaved person herself, Toni Alexander attacks the grief process from within. As an author, she looks …
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Heart Mom Kelsi Rogers on Jett's Electrical Problems with His Heart
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Send us a text 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 unde…
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An Author for CHD Adults with Learning Disabilities: Deanna Altomara
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Send us a text 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 tale is a te…
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Shattering Stereotypes in the World of Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects
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Send us a text 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 with Down …
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Ellen Boyer and World Down Syndrome Day 2024 & Volume Two: Endurance!
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Send us a text 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 challenging limitat…
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Melinda's Encore: Phil Proctor's Tribute to Life, Love, and Laughter
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Returning guest, Phil Proctor, is a man who needs no introduction. An actor, voice actor, writer, producer, comedian, podcaster and founding member of the Firesign Theatre quartet. Phil has been in the entertainment industry for 50 years, and In this episode, he talks with host, Michael Liben about the love of his life -- his soulmate, Melinda Pete…
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Learning about Anesthesia During Ablations & Volume Two!
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Send us a text 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 anesthesia …
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Melinda's Encore: Phil Proctor's Tribute to Life, Love, and Laughter
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Send us a text Returning guest, Phil Proctor, is a man who needs no introduction. An actor, voice actor, writer, producer, comedian, podcaster and founding member of the Firesign Theatre quartet. Phil has been in the entertainment industry for 50 years, and In this episode, he talks with host, Michael Liben about the love of his life -- his soulmat…
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Embracing the Heartbeat of Motherhood: Meagan Houpt’s Adoption Journey
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Send us a text 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 with a birt…
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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 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 emotional and …
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Threads of Resilience Sewn by Heart Moms and Their Children with CHDs
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Send us a text 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 maturity and…
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Heart Month News February 2024 and an Audiobook Surprise!
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Send us a text 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 community, has …
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