59: Amy Bennett- HLHS, Heart Failure, and Supporting Other CHD Families
Amy shares her son’s journey with congenital heart disease. She talks about when her son was first diagnosed during a fetal ultrasound, and the conflicting advice she received from the physicians. She shares the story of her son’s birth. She talks about her son’s 6-week hospital stay after his first heart surgery. Amy then talks about how she had to rush her son back to the hospital on 2 separate occasions,…
58: Margaret Keller – Superhero Mom Who Provides Capes To Children With CHD.
Margaret started her congenital heart disease journey when her daughter was first diagnosed with CHD. Since then she co-founded an organization that delivers superhero capes around the world to children who have CHD. Plus, she organizes Superhero Heart Runs in cities throughout the United States. Here are just a few things that Margaret…
57: Brandi Stafford – Mom of Two Children with CHD, one of whom also has Asperger’s Syndrome.
Brandi shares the story of her two children. She talks about when her daughter was first diagnosed with congenital heart disease and her stay in the hospital with her for 6 months after she was born. She talks about their time in the hospital, along with the challenges she faced when her daughter came home. Brandi also talks about her daughter’s challenges with Asperger’s Syndrome. She shares how writing has become one of the most helpful…
56: Jodie Lemacks – CHD Mom and Advocate Who Connects and Supports CHD Families Throughout The USA.
Jodi shares her story about her teenage son who was born with congenital heart disease. Jodi shares her experience about when her son was first diagnosed with CHD. She talks about the delivery and the first two heart surgeries. Jodi talks about the overwhelming stress that she experienced leading up to her son’s Fontan heart…
55: Kristine Slovis – CHD Mom & Organizer of the Super Hero Heart Run In Virginia
On this episode of the podcast Kristine talks about her journey with her son who has CHD and how this has inspired her to become an organizer of the Super Hero Heart Run in Virginia. Kristine talks about her pregnancy and when the doctors first told her that her son’s heart was not forming correctly.…
54: Kelli Kelley – Holding The Hands Of NICU Families
On this podcast, Kelli talks about how after both of her newborn children spent time in the NICU. Kelli shares the story of her son’s birth and his 4-month stay in the NICU. She talks about their experiences there. She talks about the challenges she overcame being a first-time mom with a child…
53: Amanda & Patrick Reck -Life After Their Son’s Heart Transplant.
Amanda and Patrick talk about their son who has been through two heart surgeries and a heart transplant. They talk about their son being born and how they were unaware that he had congenital heart disease. They talk about the first 24 hours in the hospital and then how their son coded while being transported…
52: Kelley Kassay: Providing Toys To Children In The Hospital In Honor Of Her Son!
Kelley talks about her son, Mason, who was first diagnosed with cancer at age 5 and how his passing at age 11 inspires her to help other families and children in the hospital. She talks about her son’s experience with cancer along with what inspired her to start Mason’s Toybox. She shares how her non-profit…
Episode 51- Alyssa Riedl – Life Is Moving Along -8 Children – 2 Biological and 6 Adopted!
On this podcast, Alyssa shares her story of having 2 biological children and then adopting 6 other children. Alyssa shares the frightening story of when her first biological son coded after he was born and then experienced seizures. She also shares the story of her daughter’s birth at 27 weeks and their long stay in the NICU. She then…
50: Kelly Blumenthal – CHD Mom, Advocating for Families and Children, Fundraising, And Always Inspiring!
On this episode of the podcast, Kelly shares her story and why she is so passionate about helping other families, fundraising, and doing anything she can to spread awareness about congenital heart disease! Kelly discusses the infertility issues she and her husband experienced prior to having their first son. She talks about becoming pregnant with Finn – just 5 months after her first…