Blog
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Overcoming the Odds with Expert Fetal Cardiology Care: Zeke and Zane’s Story
Zane had three open heart surgeries before he turned 3. And surprisingly, he had a more routine care journey than his brother, Zeke. Zeke and Zane were both diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) before birth. As far as congenital heart diseases go, HLHS falls on the rarer end of the spectrum. The odds…
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Addison Gutierrez
Hi my name is Addison Gutierrez! On June 21, 2008 my mom went in for a routine ultrasound. She had low amniotic fluid which meant that she had to have an emergency C section. My dad was a surgery resident at the hospital so he was able to meet her there. I was born at 35 weeks with…
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The Oasis: Q+A with Sam Bish
Sam is a former USMC mortarman and Computer Engineer now stay-at-home dad and caregiver to Cillian. He is the Co-Founder to Heart Warrior Ministries and facilitator to the Oasis, an online gaming group for dads with children who have Congenital Heat Disease. His vision to begin the Oasis began when he was inpatient for a…
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A Life Raft: A Parent’s Experience using the Guided Questions Tool
The Guided Questions tool (in PDF) was designed to help parents promote discussion with their cardiac care team. At the Conquering CHD (CCHD), we believe that information is important when making decisions about the care of your child. The tool is broken into three key aspects of care: quality data, patient experience and looking ahead. Esther Kinney…
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Pushing Boundaries with Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Chris’ Story
Chris was 15 years old when he decided that he wanted to be a firefighter. This was a bold move at the time, when most patients with his congenital heart condition — dextro-transposition of the great arteries, or d-TGA — were advised to avoid exercise and strenuous activity. But Chris was already pushing these boundaries…
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Hayden’s Legacy: A Safe Space for Grieving Families
We have learned that it is not the walls of Hayden’s House of Healing that make it successful, but rather the spirit of the people that come and bravely share their stories, creating an incredible community of love and support.
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What Can a CHD Newborn Eat?
CHD Parents Need to Prepare More than a Hospital Bag for a CHD Infant’s Birth An expectant mother and father are at their 20-week anatomy scan when the technician becomes eerily quiet. No more chatting about fingers and toes or the cute button nose. “There’s something wrong with the baby’s heart,” the doctor would say…
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Sometimes Congenital Heart Disease Isn’t #1 – And That’s OK
CHD can occupy much of our lives, in times of crisis or through efforts to make a difference in the community. But sometimes it needs to take a backseat. This week, Jess Chenevert, our Marketing Director and mom to Heart Warrior Barrett, shares how CHD is just one part of our lives and that, at…
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An Open Letter to Our Village
They say it takes a village. It sounds cliché, but it is true. As an adult with CHD, I see that the need for support, for that village, for your people to rally around you – in crisis, in celebration, in life – does not end once you’re “grown up”. Beyond our parents, our extended…
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Back to School Blog Wrap-Up
September is in full swing and school is, once again, back in session. Our Back-to-School Blogs may continue to come in handy as the year continues. The August series is has been collected here if you missed it!
