1. Improving Access to Care for the LGBTQIA+ Community

    Access to the necessary care is already a critical issue for teens and adults in the CHD community. But for members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, the added uncertainty over stigma can lead to inappropriate care and even avoidance of treatment altogether. In this week’s guest blog, Joseph Lindsey, a public health professional, discusses the hurdles…

  2. Return to Me & Accurate Representation of CHD in Entertainment

    There’s always a bit of a thrill that comes with finding characters with CHD in a movie or a book. It’s an opportunity to our stories on screen, to know, somewhere in the world, thousands of people are reading about CHD. Some get it right, some are a bit off, but every effort to include…

  3. The VAD Life – One ACHDer Shares Her Experience with a Ventricular Assist Device

    After an extended hospital stay, Carol was still waiting for a heart. Her care team had a plan to get her home while she waited with the help of a ventricular assist device. Learn more about the device and Carol’s journey on the bridge to transplant. A Ventricular Assist Device, more commonly known as a…

  4. In the Spirit of Sankofa

    Dr. Josephine Isabel-Jones and Dr. Brenda Armstrong paved the way for generations to continue the legacy these women began in an era that tried to hold them back. As Black History Month comes to a close, Dr. Annette Ansong introduces us to these pioneers in the field of Pediatric Cardiology. In the Ghanaian language of…

  5. Advocacy for Kids: Virtual Conference 2021

    Conquering CHD’s annual advocacy conference in Washington, D.C. is virtual in 2021. Junior advocates can access recorded content, as well as printable materials, in lieu of attending the full virtual conference. Advocates ages 13+ are encouraged to attend the full virtual conference with a parent/guardian.

  6. CHD and Cancer: Is there a connection?

    Is there a connection between congenital heart disease and cancer?

  7. Birth Defect Prevention & Awareness Month

    Every January, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosts National Birth Defects Prevention Month.

  8. Preventative Care is Essential During a Pandemic

    Dr. Rema Merhi of Las Vegas, Nevada co-authors this post, sharing critical reminders for families of pediatric heart patients during the pandemic. While most of us are worried about COVID-19, parents of pediatric CHD patients are definitely worried. In fact, they are so worried, they are refraining from receiving essential preventative medical care during the…

  9. COVID-19 Vaccines & CHD: Town Hall Wrap-Up

    Thank you to the patients and families who participated in our live Town Hall on January 20th, as part of our CHD Wise educational series. Read on for the summary and full video presentation.

  10. Donate Life Month – The Call

      For the month of April, CCHD will be focusing on the theme of National Donate Life Month. In the third post of our series, Kathleen Sheffer, a heart and lung transplant recipient, shares her memory of the harrowing moments that came after the fateful call.   I didn’t stress about packing absolutely everything I…