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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 transformation, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, as we discuss my latest book, "Heart of a Heart Warrior Volume Three: Transformation." We start off with an evocative foreword by Paula M. Miller, who shares her moving journey of resilience and the life-changing support she found through the Adult Congenital Heart Association.

Prepare to be moved by the creative spirit of the CHD community. My co-editor, Megan Tones, and I highlight the diverse artistic expressions, from vivid visual artworks to heartfelt poetry and fiction. You’ll hear about the stunning ferret drawing by Julie Kerr and the poignant poems of Lisa Colvil and Becca Atherton. We honor not only the living artists but also those who have passed away, celebrating their enduring legacy through their art. Organizations like Hearts Unite the Globe play a pivotal role in supporting these heart warriors, amplifying their voices and their art.

The episode also touches on the critical role of parental advocacy and support. I share my personal journey navigating life with a child born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which led me to write books and help form the Milagros support group. Inspired by these experiences, I continue to work on new volumes that capture the resilience and spirit of heart warriors, with Megan by my side as co-editor. Join us as we celebrate these empowering stories, remind everyone that they are not alone, and look forward to connecting with our listeners next week.

To get a copy of The Heart of a Heart Warrior: Volume 3 Transformation, visit the Baby Hearts Press website at: https://www.babyheartspress.com

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We appreciate it when people support Hearts Unite the Globe podcasts. Thank you to our newest supporters -- Annie Ulchak (Patreon) and Judy Miller (Buzzsprout)!

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Baby Blue Sound Collective

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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) diagnosis at 25 weeks' gestation. We explore the intricate preparations for Henderson's birth and his crucial surgeries, including the atrial balloon septostomy and the arterial switch procedure, all while navigating the complexities imposed by Covid-19.

Amelia and her husband, Richard, had to master the art of setting boundaries to protect their medically fragile newborn amidst an unprecedented health crisis. Amelia opens up about the isolation they felt and the essential bonding time that these boundaries provided. She candidly discusses the importance of connecting with other heart moms for support, while also maintaining a degree of privacy for Henderson's future. Together, they reveal their strategies for navigating the postpartum period and the significance of familial support during such trying times.

In this heartfelt episode, we also spotlight Amelia's advocacy within the congenital heart defect (CHD) community. By writing a book, "The Boy Born Brave," Amelia is a beacon of resilience and activism. We delve into actionable steps you can take to raise awareness and support the CHD community, including nonprofit fundraisers and heart walks. Tune in to learn how combining unique talents can drive nonprofit success and how you, too, can make a difference in the lives of children with CHD.

Information Mentioned in the Episode:

Amelia's website: https://heartlikeamother.com
Amelia's shop: @heartlikeamother.shop
Amelia on Instagram: @heartlikeamother

Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/support

We appreciate it when people support Hearts Unite the Globe podcasts. Thank you to our newest supporters -- Annie Ulchak (Patreon) and Judy Miller (Buzzsprout)!

Support the Show.

Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link

Baby Blue Sound Collective

Social Media Pages:

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Send us a Text Message.

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 misconceptions about dating with CHD. From her early days to becoming a psychotherapist, Corinne's experiences have inspired her to create a support group dedicated to helping others navigate dating without allowing their condition to overshadow their lives. Listen in as she shares practical advice on how to let your condition emerge organically in conversations, ensuring it doesn’t dominate the narrative from the start.

The challenges of social isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are examined through the lens of those with CHD. We discuss the similarities between the social experiences of individuals with CHD and retired individuals, underscoring the importance of building connections beyond traditional work and school environments. Discover how modern technology like FaceTime, instant messaging, and Zoom can be leveraged to maintain relationships without physical strain. Energy management and setting specific times for social activities are crucial for avoiding burnout, and we provide tips on balancing social life and health seamlessly.

Our conversation goes further to address the evolving landscape of dating, highlighting the transition from close-knit community connections to today's broader but sometimes isolating online experiences. Dr. Smorra’s virtual support group offers a haven for those navigating the dating world with CHD, covering topics like handling insecurities about visible scars and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community. Through role-playing and peer support, this group provides practical tools and emotional backing for everyone involved. Tune in for an insightful discussion on forming genuine connections, seeking inclusivity, and finding support within the CHD community.

Link mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Corinne Smorra's website: https://www.heartandmindcounseling.com

Dr. Corinne Smorra's previous Heart to Heart with Anna episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/11148131

Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/support

We appreciate it when people support Hearts Unite the Globe podcasts. Thank you to our newest supporters -- Annie Ulchak (Patreon) and Judy Miller (Buzzsprout)!

Support the Show.

Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link

Baby Blue Sound Collective

Social Media Pages:

Apple Podcasts
Facebook
Instagram
MeWe
Twitter
YouTube
Website