Revitalize your spirit and connect with the vibrant congenital heart defect (CHD) community through 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' the pioneering podcast that has been inspiring and informing listeners since 11-12-13. Join us as we dive deep into the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of Survivors, their loved ones, esteemed medical professionals, and other remarkable individuals within the CHD community. With unwavering dedication, our heartfelt conversations bring to light the storie ...
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Putting Around for a Purpose: Golf, Heart Warriors, and Small-Town Magic
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37:31Send us a text A broken wrist serves as an unexpected metaphor for the heart warrior's journey in this illuminating conversation with fundraiser and podcaster Amy Earhart. When Anna's recent accident left her with a titanium plate and a new perspective on recovery, it highlighted the resilience that characterizes the CHD community—adapting when our…
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Send us a text In dieser speziellen deutschsprachigen Episode von 'Herz zu Herz mit Anna' spricht Jodi Alderfel mit Marina Lohri, die mit Trikuspidalatresie, ASD und VSD geboren wurde und eine modifizierte Fontan-Operation überlebte. Marina teilt ihre lebenslange Reise, von ihrer Herzoperation als Baby bis hin zu ihrer Karriere bei atHeart Medical,…
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When Hearts and Minds Unite: Navigating Neurodevelopment in CHD
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56:37Send us a text The journey of raising a child with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) involves navigating far more than just medical challenges. Behind every heart surgery and cardiology appointment lies a complex web of developmental considerations that can profoundly shape a child's future. Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a clinical neuropsychologist wit…
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From Tetralogy of Fallot to Changing State Law: Sara Bonneau's Unstoppable Mission
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45:48Send us a text When Sara Bonneau's newborn son was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, she had no roadmap for the journey ahead. In this raw and powerful conversation, she takes us through the evolution of parenting a child with a serious heart defect—from the terrifying early days without social media support groups to watching her son become a co…
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How Research is Reshaping Lives in Congenital Heart Disease
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1:01:15Send us a text In this engaging episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, we dive into the significant strides made in pediatric cardiology, focusing on hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and the inspiring journey of dedicated professionals like Dr. Paul Grossfeld. This episode highlights the complex nature of congenital heart disease, exploring not…
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Navigating Personal Advocacy: Empowering Journeys in Heart Health with Emily Falcon and Anna Jaworski
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43:36Send us a text Emily Falcon's journey with a rare heart condition is nothing short of inspiring. After multiple heart surgeries, she defied the odds and became a dedicated 5K athlete, showcasing resilience that many find empowering. Joined by Jenn Dimas from the Fort Worth Public Library, Emily shares how literature has been a powerful companion in…
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Uniting Communities for Better Heart Care Outcomes with Kate Doherty-Schmeck
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34:12Send us a text After facing the heart-wrenching loss of a beloved family matriarch to a once-benign heart condition, I am reminded of the fragile nature of life and the critical importance of heart health. Join me as we explore these deeply personal connections to heart disease and the heartfelt stories of families who navigate these challenges wit…
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2024 Top Ten "Heart to Heart with Anna" Episodes & More!
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21:08Send us a text Can an unexpected adventure in Kraków teach you about resilience and support? Join me, Anna Jaworski, as I recount a thrilling axe-throwing escapade with my husband, Frank, which became an unexpected metaphor for our family's journey with our courageous daughter, Hope, who battles a congenital heart defect. In this episode of Heart t…
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Celebrating 11 Years: Heartfelt Reflections and Future Innovations in Heart to Heart with Anna
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50:13Send us a text After an unexpected illness during a trip to Poland, I found myself in a reflective state, pondering the journey of "Heart to Heart with Anna" and what lies ahead. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of our 11-year milestone, filled with gratitude for the community that has grown alongside us. I introduce you to some key figures …
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Inside HeartWorks: A New Era in Heart Disease Treatment
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41:37Send us a text Unlock the future of heart care and understand how a revolutionary cooperative platform is reshaping the landscape of congenital heart disease treatment. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking innovations at HeartWorks, a transformative program at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Tim Nelson. With heartfelt insights from Erin Borkowski, a…
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Fit and Fearless: Defying Limits with Tetralogy of Fallot
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38:40Send us a text Ever thought you could lead an exhilarating life despite a congenital heart defect? Meet Ben Johnson, a formidable heart warrior born with tetralogy of Fallot. Tune in as Ben, now 45, recounts his spirited childhood and how his heart condition didn't stop him from being a vibrant, active child. From hospital memories to a loving fami…
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October 2024 Heart to Heart Live: From Trick-or-Treat to Compassion Fatigue
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40:34Send us a text Do Halloween festivities bring more joy or concern when you’re living with a congenital heart defect? Ashley DeMarco shares her journey growing up with complex heart conditions, turning personal challenges into stories of resilience. Alongside her, we hear from Michael Liben, who navigates grief with humor on his podcast "Bereaved bu…
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From Survivor to Supporter: Marina Lohri's Tricuspid Atresia Journey in Congenital Heart Care
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35:13Send us a text Meet Marina Lohri, a true trailblazer in the world of congenital heart defects (CHDs). Born with tricuspid atresia, a ventricular septal defect, and an atrial septal defect, Marina’s journey from a life-saving C-section to being among the first in Switzerland to undergo a modified-Fontan procedure at just 11 months old is nothing sho…
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Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence
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44:02Send us a text Unlock the latest in cardiac neurodevelopmental research with Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a distinguished clinical neuropsychologist, as we navigate the complexities of how congenital heart defects (CHDs) impact children's neurodevelopment. Discover the groundbreaking strides made by the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC), …
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Heart to Heart LIVE : An Open Mic with Anna and Her Community
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52:07Send us a text How do families navigate the uncharted waters of raising children with congenital heart disease (CHD)? Join us on a groundbreaking episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, where we host our very first live show with a studio audience! With guests like Amanda, Joey, Michael, Ayrton, Regina, Rachel, and Chris, you'll hear raw and honest co…
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Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Writing with Megan Tones and Sheri Turner
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47:40Send us a text How do you condense a lifetime of experiences into a single essay? Megan Tones reveals the challenges and triumphs of contributing to the "Heart of a Heart Warrior" anthology, where she found a way to spotlight positivity amid adversity. Joined by Sheri Turner, a supportive beta reader and CHD advocate, we explore how storytelling ca…
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From Diagnosis to Advocacy: The Brave Little Hearts South Africa Story
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45:33Send us a text What does it take to recognize the early signs of congenital heart defects (CHD) in a newborn? In this emotionally charged episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we welcome Raadhiyah Matthews, who recounts her harrowing journey with her daughter Thaakirah. From the initial dismissals by medical professionals to the profound struggles…
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Unexpected Diagnoses: DiGeorge (22q11.2 deletion) Syndrome in the Lawrence Family
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34:55Send us a text What would you do if you suddenly discovered that multiple members of your family were living with an intricate genetic condition? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Regina Lawrence as she opens up about her family's journey with DiGeorge syndrome (a.k.a. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome). From the moment they learned about Aubrey's …
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Discovering a Myocardial Bridge at 65: Jeff's Journey to Heart Health Advocacy
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32:11Send us a text Have you ever ignored a small discomfort only to realize it was something far more serious? Join us on "Heart to Heart with Anna" for an eye-opening conversation with Jeff, the creator and host of a non-profit podcast network, who discovered a congenital heart defect called a myocardial bridge at the age of 65. Jeff recounts his terr…
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From Heart Block to Myotonic Dystrophy: A Survivor's Tale
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33:55Send us a text What if your heart's rhythm was out of sync from birth, yet you persevered to defy medical odds? Join us as Gwenyth Murphy, a resilient second-generation congenital heart defect survivor, shares her compelling journey of managing complete heart block and other heart conditions. From coping with an abnormally low heart rate as a child…
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Navigating Life with HLHS and Marfan Syndrome: Rachael's Powerful Story
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32:08Send us a text Discover the remarkable resilience of Rachael Gott, our extraordinary guest born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Despite her condition remaining uncorrected, Rachel has navigated a complex medical journey, including ten cardiac ablations and two device implants, all while avoiding open-heart surgeries. Rachael also faces…
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Chapter 10: Life Lessons from Congenital Heart Defects: Stories of Hope and Resilience
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35:51Send us a text What happens when resilience meets a congenital heart defect? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journeys of women who have turned their medical challenges into stories of hope and triumph. Begin with Emily Falcon's deeply moving "A Letter to my Younger Self," where she offers wisdom and reflections that will resonate with anyon…
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Chapter 9 of "The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Featuring Heart Warrior Authors
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47:03Send us a text How do heart warriors find incredible strength amidst life's most challenging moments? In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we bring you deeply touching and empowering stories from individuals who have triumphed over congenital heart defects (CHD). Join us as Megan Tones sets the stage with an introduction to Chapter 9, fol…
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"The Heart of a Heart Warrior" Chapter 8 Featuring Megan Tones and Julie Kerr
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41:57Send us a text Ever wondered how a heartfelt community can transform lives through stories and shared experiences? Join me on this special episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" as I express my gratitude for the overwhelming birthday wishes from the congenital heart defect community. You'll be introduced to the latest literary gem from Baby Hearts P…
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Heart Warrior Transformations: From Challenges to Creative Triumphs
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28:07Send us a text Have you ever wondered how living with a congenital heart defect can shape one's life journey? This week, we’re diving into the remarkable stories of heart warriors, those extraordinary individuals who navigate life with congenital heart defects. I'm Anna Jaworski, and in this episode, we explore the powerful metaphor of transformati…
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Navigating Parenthood with a Congenital Heart Defect During Covid-19: Amelia Woods' Journey
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30:48Send us a text What happens when you're expecting a baby with a congenital heart defect during a global pandemic? Join me, Anna Jaworski, as I sit down with Amelia Woods, a courageous heart mom who faced this exact challenge. Amelia shares the emotional rollercoaster of managing her son Henderson's dextrotransposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) …
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Navigating Romantic Life with a Heart Condition: Insights from Dr. Corinne Smorra
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38:37Send us a text What happens when your heart condition becomes part of your dating narrative? Today on Heart to Heart with Anna, we welcome back Dr. Corinne Smorra, a psychotherapist and adult living with congenital heart defects (CHD). Dr. Smorra opens up about her personal journey with truncus arteriosus and sheds light on the myths and misconcept…
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James Robinson's Emotional Odyssey: Love and Loss in a Heart Family
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44:08Send us a text What happens when your entire world is defined by hospital walls and medical jargon? On "Heart to Heart with Anna," we share the poignant and raw journey of James Robinson, a father who walks us through the emotional highs and profound lows of raising his son Nadav, who was born with a congenital heart defect known as single ventricl…
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Heartfelt Battles to Artistic Revelations with Amy Milz
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31:05Send us a text Amy Milz opens her heart to us—quite literally—in a candid recount of her life as a congenital heart defect survivor. With grace and vulnerability, she takes us through the paces of her medical odyssey, from the relentless advocacy of her mother to her personal victories in the operating room. Each scar tells a story of resilience an…
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Mother's Day Reflections: The Valor and Vitality of Heart Moms
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26:52Send us a text When Hope's first breaths were intertwined with the whispers of uncertainty, my world changed. As a heart mom, each Mother's Day is not just a celebration but a milestone, reflecting the grit and grace it takes to raise a child with a congenital heart defect. Join me, Anna Jaworski, in an episode where we explore the deep emotional l…
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The Courageous Chronicle of Hope: From Heart Surgery to Self-Discovery
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34:26Send us a text When my daughter Hope graced the podcast with her presence, her story wasn't just a chronicle of living with a single ventricle heart at 29—it was a profound testament to her strength amid her gender transition. Our conversation unveils the seamless integration of her heart health with her journey of self-discovery, all while providi…
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Embracing Life's Pulse Amidst HLHS and PLE Hurdles with Hollie Stephenson
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36:18Send us a text Witnessing your child's bravery and resilience as they navigate a life-altering condition like hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is both harrowing and inspiring. Hollie Stephenson joins Anna to share the profound story of her son Tom, who not only fought through the early challenges of HLHS but also the complex battle with prote…
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Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Raising Children with Congenital Heart Defects
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39:06Send us a text When your child's heartbeat is a symphony laced with irregularities, every moment becomes a measure of uncertainty. This is the world heart moms like myself, Anna Jaworski, and my guest Kelsi Rogers live in every day. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the mental marathon of raising children with congenital heart defects (CHD). O…
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Heart Mom Kelsi Rogers on Jett's Electrical Problems with His Heart
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49:25Send us a text This episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" features a very special heart mom. Kelsi Rogers talks about the surprising circumstances around her son's heart condition. Born with an electrical problem in his heart, Jett has already faced life-and-death situations several times in his short life. Not even three years old yet, he has unde…
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An Author for CHD Adults with Learning Disabilities: Deanna Altomara
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58:07Send us a text As an author myself, I understand the power of stories to heal and inspire. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Deanna Altomara, who created "Chrysalis," a book to help people facing open-heart surgery. Born with a congenital heart defect herself, Deanna understands what it means to have had open-heart surgery. Deanna's tale is a te…
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Shattering Stereotypes in the World of Down Syndrome and Congenital Heart Defects
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1:06:42Send us a text When Ellen Boyer's voice joins the conversation, the room lights up with an array of heartfelt stories and powerful messages. Together, we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by shattering stereotypes and trumpeting the accomplishments of those with Down Syndrome. From the awe-inspiring feat of Chris Nikic, the first athlete with Down …
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Ellen Boyer and World Down Syndrome Day 2024 & Volume Two: Endurance!
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1:02:02Send us a text When Ellen Boyer graced our show with her story of love and resilience, it was clear that her daughter Brett, who blessed the world with her presence despite Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, has sparked a legacy that transcends every stereotype. Through the Brett Boyer Foundation, Ellen's dedication to challenging limitat…
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Learning about Anesthesia During Ablations & Volume Two!
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41:07Send us a text In this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna we welcome Frank Jaworski back to the program. Frank shares information about anesthesia when patients go to the electrophysiology lab (EP lab), especially when they need to undergo an ablation. Frank is a certified, registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and he has been delivering anesthesia …
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Embracing the Heartbeat of Motherhood: Meagan Houpt’s Adoption Journey
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1:05:42Send us a text When Megan Houpt made the heart-wrenching decision to pursue adoption over pregnancy due to her heart condition, it struck a chord with me as a heart mom. Together, we unfold her narrative in this episode, navigating the complexities of adoption with a CHD. From the intricate dance of home studies to the emotional synergy with a birt…
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Resilience in Motion: The Unseen Struggles of Adult Life with Congenital Heart Defects
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59:58Send us a text Navigating life with congenital heart defects (CHD) is a journey of resilience and emotional fortitude. As I converse with my fellow heart mom, Rita Scoggins, we unearth the layers of complexity that come with raising adult children affected by CHD. This episode goes beyond the clinical; it’s an intimate foray into the emotional and …
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Threads of Resilience Sewn by Heart Moms and Their Children with CHDs
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58:22Send us a text Navigating the torrent of emotions that come with being a heart mom to an adult child, Rita Scoggins and I, Anna Jaworski, unfold the layers of our unique journey. Our intimate conversation traverses the evolution of care, from the hands-on nurturing of our children's younger years to the complexities of supporting their maturity and…
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Heart Month News February 2024 and an Audiobook Surprise!
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43:36Send us a text This episode of Heart to Heart with Anna involves news regarding Heart Month 2024. In this episode, you’ll learn about who our guest next week will be, how Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day came to be and what it has evolved to. You’ll also learn about how Baby Hearts Press, a publishing company devoted to the CHD community, has …
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Enriching Lives with CHD Support Networks and Healing Stories
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47:54Send us a text Embark with us as we illuminate the enduring pulse of Hearts Unite the Globe, the non-profit championing an array of deeply impactful podcasts. From the heartfelt dialogues of Heart to Heart with Anna to the comforting echoes of Bereaved but Still Me, we're uniting voices across the congenital heart disease (CHD) community. Our missi…
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From Manuscript to Masterpiece: Tales of Tenacity and Triumph
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47:27Send us a text Ever wonder about the emotional odyssey of creating a book that captures the essence of human resilience? My co-editor Megan Tones and I, Anna Jaworski, take you on the intimate trek behind "The Heart of a Heart Warrior," from the flicker of an idea to the jubilance of publication. Our conversation unwraps the passion and dedication …
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Embracing Healing: The Synergy of Functional Medicine, Aromatherapy, and Spirituality
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56:14Send us a text Have you ever felt the tug of curiosity towards an approach to mental health that strays from the conventional path? Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Valerie Chavez MD and Ryan Hunter to share their insights on functional medicine's transformative role in mental health care, especially for those touched by congenital heart defects. Tog…
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Uniting Hearts: A Decade of Hope, Support, and Volunteerism
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21:10Send us a text As I sit back and reflect on Heart to Heart with Anna in the year 2023, I want you to celebrate with me, Anna Jaworski, as we mark a milestone of connection and growth within the congenital heart defect community. From the early days on Voice America to our move to Blog Talk Radio and beyond, we've weathered sponsorship storms and em…
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Finding Hope Amidst Long Q-T Syndrome: Jackie Renfrow's Journey
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33:57Send us a text Imagine living in a family where sudden deaths were a tragic norm. That's the reality heart mom Jackie Renford faced before the fateful identification of Long Q-T Syndrome, a genetic heart condition, in her family. Her misdiagnosis and the subsequent loss of her son and daughter have inspired her to become an advocate for early detec…
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Battling Congenital Heart Defects: The Extraordinary Stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel's Friendship, Advocacy, and Resilience
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32:37Send us a text How does a young child learn to fight, to survive, and even thrive when they're born battling a congenital heart defect? Join us as we journey through the inspiring life stories of Emily Falcon and Mabel, two extraordinary women who refused to let their heart conditions define them. Emily, born with the rare ALCAPA--Anomalous Origin …
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Exploring Functional Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils and Holistic Health Approaches
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53:53Send us a text Have you ever considered how your lifestyle choices could be affecting your health? Ever wondered about the benefits of essential oils or how to improve your gut health? Then you're in the right place. In a riveting discourse with renowned Valerie Chavez, MD, and Ryan Hunter, we delve into the heart of Functional Medicine. Together, …
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Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the strength that it takes to parent a heart warrior child? What does the journey of raising a child with a congenital heart defect look like? Meet Alison and Brian Blankenship, parents to two children, one of whom is a heart warrior named Ian. Ian was born with a critical congenital heart defect, and his…
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