Ep. 34: Congenital Heart Defects and 'Hank the Heart'

Valentine's Day may be behind us, but we've still got hearts on our minds...tiny hearts, that is! In today's episode, we will be learning about congenital heart defects - these happen when a child's heart does not develop properly before birth.



Book:
Hank the Heart - by Dr John Hutton and Dr Ryan Moore


Resources:
Mended Little Hearts - a nonprofit organization providing hope and support, creating awareness and being a strong voice for CHD families everywhere.

MyHeart Visit - a peer support network for patients and families
"Sometimes patients, parents and caregivers need to talk to someone who has already faced a similar diagnosis, procedure or surgery, or has learned to live with heart disease or a congenital heart defect—someone who truly understands them. Now, you can request a “visit” from a trained volunteer who can listen and give support because they are patients, parents and caregivers themselves."


Support:
Consider sending a 'Bravery Bag' to a family. -  "The Mended Hearts, Inc. began the Bravery Bag Program in 2014 under its Mended Little Hearts® program to support families with children in the hospital for heart surgery or other medical procedures. Bravery Bags are filled with toiletry items, comfort items, fun items, and educational resources. The provide families with some of the things they may need during a hospital stay, but more importantly, they let the family know they are not alone—that there are people out there who care about them and are there to support them."