PCHA: At the Heart with Amy
PCHA was founded by everyday people, joining forces for change.Together, we make a greater impact on the CHD Community. During heart month, we’re highlighting our staff members to share how CCHD has impacted their CHD journey and what they think makes us special. Today, we’re getting personal with Amy Basken, our Director of Programs and Co-founder of CCHD.
What do you love most about working for CCHD?
That it is never “a job.” I feel like everything I do has meaning, and the people I work with help contribute to that meaning.
What do you think makes CCHD different from other CHD organizations?
CCHD has a unique culture that is evident in everything it does. I think it can be summed up with the word “Empowering.” Not only does CCHD develop tangible tools and resources but it also generates a palpable positive energy that inspires and motivates.
How does your experience with CHD help you relate to the families CCHD serves?
Sometimes I feel really guilty that my son is doing so well. But, having experienced time in the hospital with him, I vividly remember the families who had been there for months, and those that left the hospital without their child. While I’m no longer in the day-to-day throes of CHD, I try to tap into that empathy to keep me going. I try hard to stay connected with people in all stages of the journey so I can continue to learn about how the CHD community is constantly evolving. I’m always learning!
With so much to be done in the CHD world, how do you prioritize where to start?
At CCHD, we spend a lot of time listening. Listening to families and what their needs are, and to medical experts as to how we can take those needs and make a difference. We look at the whole landscape and see who else might be already working to address a need, and where we might provide the best impact. Still, there is always the struggle of wanting to do more. Every time you successfully open a door, you see so many new doors to open!
If it wasn’t for your journey and role at CCHD, could you see yourself as a nationally recognized speaker, national public policy contributor, and advocacy superstar?
No! I’m just a mom from a small town in Wisconsin. Although, I do like to talk a lot. It is a real privilege to celebrate the work of CCHD as others see our real value, giving us opportunities to have a seat at the table, or time at the podium, to reflect and represent the patients and parents that are the life-blood of CCHD, and deserve to be at the center of these game changing conversations.
You and CCHD were instrumental in the passage of the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act that awards $50 million dollars to CHD research over the next 5 years, how does it feel knowing you’ve helped change the landscape of CHD for patients and families for years to come?
This is certainly a collective win. Advocacy is all about building relationships and moving people to action. CCHD was founded on this principle and was an excellent vehicle to move this issue forward. I am so proud of all the people who worked together to share their story and inspire our federal policy makers to make game-changing decisions that will benefit the CHD community for generations.
