Heart to Heart with Anna

• Putting Around for a Purpose: Golf, Heart Warriors, and Small-Town Magic

  Send us a textA 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 bodies say "enough" and finding creative ways forward.Amy Erhart brings this resilience to life through her remarkable story. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 1983, she's channeled her experience into creating meaningful change. Her "Putt Around Kalida" fundraiser transforms her small hometown into a mini-golf adventure where local businesses design elaborate putting greens—from a smoking firehouse to a church model that's been preserved for generations. What makes this event special goes beyond the $20,000 raised; it's the photos of local CHD children displayed at the town park, creating powerful moments of recognition for families still processing their diagnosis.The conversation shifts to Amy's podcast journey with "Diaries of a Heart Warrior," where she's published over 30 episodes—far surpassing the six-episode mark where most podcasters abandon their shows. Through these conversations, Amy found the connection she'd been missing: "I didn't know a lot of people with CHD until these last couple years. This is how I'm finally meeting people." These exchanges have brought validation that she's not alone in her complex feelings about life with a congenital heart defect.Perhaps most meaningful is Amy's approach to fundraising, focusing on direct support for families rather than solely research: heart camps for children, gas money for hospital trips, hotel accommodations during treatments. It's a philosophy born from understanding that while research is crucial, the day-to-day needs of families navigating CHD require immediate attention.Have you experienced the power of community support during health challenges? Listen now and discover how small towns and big hearts are creating meaningful change for CHD families everywhere.Amy Erhart's podcast, "Diaries of a Heart Warrior": https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268461Anna's CHD Connects Hearts link: https://chdconnectshearts.com/products-list?am_id=annajaworski3819Sheri Turner is our newest Defender Patron and she also serves as a HUG Volunteer. Thank you so much for your generosity and all you do, Sheri!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

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• Marinas Reise mit angeborenem Herzfehler

  Send us a textIn 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, einem Unternehmen, das Geräte zur Behandlung von ASD entwickelt. Die Episode erörtert auch Marinas Erfahrungen mit Vorhofflimmern und einer Ablation im Jahr 2018. Marinas persönliche und berufliche Erfahrungen bieten wertvolle Einblicke für andere Patienten mit angeborenen Herzfehlern und zeigen, wie sie durch Mut und Entschlossenheit ein sinnvolles Leben führt.(Besonderer Dank geht an Jodi Alderfel, die uns in dieser Folge als Gastmoderatorin zur Seite stand.)In this special German-language episode of 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' Jodi Alderfel speaks with Marina Lohri, who was born with tricuspid atresia, ASD, and VSD and survived a modified Fontan procedure. Marina shares her lifelong journey, from her heart surgery as a baby to her career at atHeart Medical, a company developing devices to treat ASD. The episode also discusses Marina's experience with atrial fibrillation and an ablation in 2018. Marina's personal and professional experiences offer valuable insights for other patients with congenital heart disease and show how she leads a meaningful life through courage and determination.Here is a link to Marina's episode in English with Anna: https://tinyurl.com/Marina-LohriSheri Turner is our newest Defender Patron and she also serves as a HUG Volunteer. Thank you so much for your generosity and all you do, Sheri!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

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• When Hearts and Minds Unite: Navigating Neurodevelopment in CHD

  Send us a textThe 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 with over 16 years of experience in cardiac neurodevelopment, brings clarity to this often-overlooked aspect of heart care. Unlike typical developmental patterns, children with CCHDs may present with scattered strengths and weaknesses that don't fit neatly into standard diagnostic categories. While some may develop recognizable conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, others show unique profiles that require specialized understanding.The conversation explores the fascinating heart-brain connection, revealing how brain development begins simultaneously with heart formation during fetal development. Structural heart defects can affect blood flow patterns to the developing brain, while surgical interventions carry risks of small strokes or other brain injuries. For parents wondering why their child struggles with handwriting, speech delays, or learning difficulties despite excellent medical care, this discussion provides crucial insights.Particularly compelling is the discussion about balancing protection with developmental progress. How do you navigate the tension between keeping a medically fragile child safe while ensuring they develop age-appropriate skills and independence? Dr. Ilardi offers practical strategies for finding this balance, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive "village" around both the child and parents.Whether you're a parent, medical professional, or educator working with heart warriors, this profound conversation will transform your understanding of the developmental journey these remarkable children face. Most importantly, you'll discover pathways to help them reach their full potential through multisensory learning approaches, compensatory strategies, and family-centered support.Helpful Links:Christy Pace's CHD Connects Hearts: https://chdconnectshearts.com/homeDawn Ilardi's other Heart to Heart with Anna Appearances:Unlocking Neurodevelopmental Breakthroughs: Impact of CHDs and Parental Influence https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/15872291What is Normal Child Development in Children with Complex Congenital Heart Defects? https://tinyurl.com/DawnIlardi2014  Dr. Ilardi's website: https://www.pedneurocenter.com  Dr. Ilardi's email: [email protected] Issues and Feeding Tubes in the CHD Community: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/1999819Sheri Turner is our newest Defender Patron and she also serves as a HUG Volunteer. Thank you so much for your generosity and all you do, Sheri!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

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• From Tetralogy of Fallot to Changing State Law: Sara Bonneau's Unstoppable Mission

  Send us a textWhen 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 competitive high school basketball player.Sara's candor about her mental health struggles resonates deeply as she shares her delayed PTSD diagnosis following her son's first surgery. "I experienced a lot of anxiety after Ryan was born. I remember being so scared he was going to die if I let him out of my sight," she reveals, encouraging other heart parents to seek help sooner than she did.The conversation takes a powerful turn when Sara describes how tragedy became the catalyst for her unexpected advocacy work. After Sara discovered a 15-year-old basketball player in her son's rival team collapsed and died, she discovered there was no AED available that might have saved his life. Despite having no legal background, this special education teacher successfully campaigned for Rhode Island legislation requiring AEDs in all middle and high schools.Her message to listeners facing their own struggles is beautifully simple: "Your voice matters. I was just a mom. I had a voice. I made a very significant change for student athletes and children in Rhode Island just by sharing my story and speaking from the heart." Sara's journey from terrified parent to legislative changemaker demonstrates how we can transform our deepest fears into purposeful action.Whether you're a heart parent seeking connection, an advocate looking for inspiration, or someone navigating the healthcare system, Sara's story will remind you of the incredible power one determined voice can have. Subscribe now and join our community of families and professionals dedicated to improving lives in the congenital heart defect world.Helpful Links:Diane Pucci's episodes: The Miracle of Growing Up with a CHD: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/398967Voices of Victory: Overcoming Congenital Heart Challenges: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/voices-of-victory-overcoming-congenital-heart-challenges--58745010Discord Server Link: https://discord.gg/WZwQf7pPM8CardioHUB 2025 link: https://www.cardiologyconferenceeurope.com/HUG website link: https://www.heartsunitetheglobe.comSheri Turner is our newest Defender Patron and she also serves as a HUG Volunteer. Thank you so much for your generosity and all you do, Sheri!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

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• How Research is Reshaping Lives in Congenital Heart Disease

  Send us a textIn 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 just the technical advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care, but also the emotional journeys faced by families. Dr. Grossfeld shares powerful stories from his practice, illustrating the deep connections formed between healthcare providers and patients.Listeners will learn about the critical role of early diagnostics and how modern medicine has transformed the fatality rates associated with HLHS. The episode discusses the collaborative efforts across medical disciplines, which lead to innovative treatment and significant improvements in patient outcomes. With a keen focus on the importance of research to address genetic and environmental influences on heart conditions, Dr. Grossfeld emphasizes the need for community support in fundraising and awareness initiatives.As the conversation shifts toward the importance of heart screenings for athletes, listeners will discover how these measures can prevent tragic outcomes and promote healthy practices among young sports enthusiasts. We encourage our audience to reflect on their understanding of pediatric heart health and to become advocates for research and support within the community. Join us in this eye-opening episode that aims not only to inform but to inspire action among listeners who share a commitment to the congenital heart disease community. Subscribe, share, and engage with us to help uplift and empower those affected by these conditions.Here are some helpful links mentioned in this episode:HeartWorks: https://www.webuildhearts.orgDr. Paul Grossfeld's charities: Light the Way: https://radyfoundation.org/get-involved/events/light-the-way/Miracle Makers: https://radyfoundation.org/ways-to-give/fundraise/miracle-makers/Hearts Unite the Globe (HUG): https://www.heartsunitetheglobe.comSupport the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWebsite

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