Blog
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A Letter To My Son
CCHD wishes all dads a Happy Father’s Day! We’re happy to share this letter written by Nolan Chenevert, who celebrates his second year as a dad to his son Barrett “Bear”. Dear Barrett, I remember so vividly how excited I was when your mom first told me that I was going to be a dad. I…
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A Father’s Loss, and Life After
As Father’s Day approaches, CCHD would like to acknowledge fathers, and all parents, who have lost a child. We are privileged to have Trey Flynn share his story on loss and life after. We’ll never forget our child’s last breath. No matter how hard we try and create a new and happy ending in our dreams, the pain is…
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Making the (Heart) World a Better Place
CCHD is pleased to welcome back recurring guest writer Chris Perez for our Fathers Blog series. Let’s get one thing out of the way: the day you looked at the grainy ultrasound image as your wife’s doctor started his or her sentence with “unfortunately” or the moment you realized your newborn would be whisked away via ambulance…
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A Story and a Scar
Throughout June the Conquering CHD is honoring Fathers by covering relatable topics through our guest blog posts. To kick off this month, we’re honored to have writer Rob Hart share his story. Thirty minutes after my wife and I walked through the front door of Richmond University Medical Center, our daughter Abigail Joule was born. No anesthesia,…
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Mothers Blog Series Recap
Your voice matters. For the month of May, CCHD recognized mothers of children with CHD through our Mothers Blog series. The fight to conquer CHD is strengthened by the involvement of all of those who share our mission. It takes a community coming together around education, research and awareness to make an impact. Volunteer, join our advocacy network today, and…
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Mamas, May the FORCE Be With You!
To close our Mothers Blog series for May, CCHD is delighted to have guest writer Jennifer Page, probably best known to you as Mini Darth Vader’s mom! Her son Max was the Mini Darth Vader from the 2011 VW Superbowl commercial. Jennifer speaks nationally about her family’s journey of transformation. She is a special contributor to CNN, Ladies Home…
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A Mom’s Promise of Hope
CCHD is honored to have Tori Smith, a volunteer on the Program Committee, speak about her son Sterling. She recently led a bereavement breakout session at the Congenital Heart Legislative Conference in Washington, DC in February 2016. When Sterling died I hurt. Physically. Every inch of my body was feeling the pain of losing my son. In…
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Finding the Spirit of Mother’s Day, Every Day
Speaking from her own experience, our recurring guest writer Margaret King joins us this month for the CCHD’s Mothers Blog series with her advice on relieving stress and finding joy. Mother’s Day has come and gone with ads selling products designed to give us relaxation and joy – massages, flowers, jewelry, and more. And if those products…
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Prevailing Over the Unexpected
Continuing our month long celebration of mothers, Jessica Chenevert, who is an advocate, committee member, and Social Media Coordinator for the Conquering CHD, shares how CHD has shaped her perspective on motherhood. There’s changing table stocked with diapers, wipes, and creams. The book shelf is packed and the stuffed animals are all in a row. The blue blanket…
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Expecting a Rainbow Baby: Pregnancy After CHD
CCHD is fortunate to have Jen DeBouver share her experience and advice on pregnancy after CHD. She is currently expecting Nina Delilah, her rainbow baby, a child born after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or child loss, this August. It came as a total surprise. Pregnant after 3 ½ years since losing my son Asher to CHD….
