Blog
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Beyond Survival, The Struggle with Anxiety and Depression
For the first time ever, there are more adults living with a congenital heart defect than children. This is all thanks to improved medical technology, amazing advancements, and increased knowledge and awareness in treating CHD. While this is certainly incredible news, there are new – and unanticipated – aspects of treating survivors that we must…
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Courtney’s Story – A Mom’s Perspective
I still remember the first time it happened. The surgeon had come in to tell us that the open heart surgery performed on my 3-day old son, was an outstanding success. I remember looking at the surgeon calmly and saying, “Thank you very much,” and I turned on my heel and nearly sprinted down the…
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Living with PTSD
“Doesn’t matter how tough we are, trauma always leaves a scar. It follows us home, it changes our lives, trauma messes everybody up, but maybe that’s the point. All the pain and the fear. Maybe going through all of that is what keeps us moving forward. It’s what pushes us. Maybe we have to get…
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Patient Engagement Tools: Comprehensive Single Ventricle Roadmap
When a family learns their child will be born with a Single Ventricle CHD, they are thrust into a world of uncertainty. It is sure to be a daunting and overwhelming experience. The plan for care of these patients has not typically been clear. As outcomes have improved, providers have been able to imrove their…
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A Hero in A Small Package
The ending of June brings one more Heart Dad story. Jason Ruud shares his story as dad to heart kiddo Breanna Faith and Miracles: When I was growing up, I always considered my heroes to be professional athletes who made incredible moves on the field or court and made the impossible look easy. Little…
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A Little Love Story
CCHD continues its Heart Dad Series with a piece by Ryan Freund. Here, Ryan shares with us how being a dad to the amazing Adair, as she battles a rare genetic disorder that includes CHD, hip dysplasia, digit issues, scoliosis, tethered cord, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, is both the greatest blessing and greatest burden of his life. …
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We Make A Good Team
Yesterday our families took time to honor and show our appreciation for our Dads. In our latest blog, Heart Mom, Roxanne Bejarano, shares with us what her husband, Angel, means to her and their family. My husband is heart dad, Angel Bejarano. I could not have gone through our experience without the support and guidance…
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The Immense Sky: Space to Deal, Space to Feel
Our Heart Dad Series continues for the second week of June. Here Margaret King shares how her husband Shawn’s reaction to their journey as heart parents differed from her own. As I sit here writing about heart dads, I realize that it’s impossible to finish this piece without my husband, Shawn. So, we are…
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Making the (Heart) World a Better Place
In honor of Father’s Day, for the month of June, CCHD is pleased to focus our latest blog series on Heart Dads. What better way to start than revisiting a powerful message from Heart Dad and recurring guest writer, Chris Perez. Let’s get one thing out of the way: the day you looked at the grainy…
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American Stroke Awareness Month – Terese’s Story
For the month of May, CCHD has been focusing on American Stroke Awareness Month. In the 4th week of our series, Terese Quarino shares her experience with stroke. I remember the day, like it was yesterday…. The Wednesday before Labor day weekend, I called my cardiologist to say I felt some funny beats in my…
