3. Living with a Single Ventricle: Lauren’s Story Artwork

Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

Tiny Little Hearts Podcast is your honest, unfiltered space for the CHD (congenital heart disease / congenital heart defect) community. Whether you're a heart parent, a CHD warrior, or someone newly navigating a complex congenital heart diagnosis — this podcast was made for you.

Hosted by Katelyn McMahan, a mom of three girls whose world changed the moment she learned her youngest daughter had complex cardiac abnormalities. She searched for real stories — kids with complex CHD, single ventricle hearts, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and other congenital heart defects— not the polished highlight reels, but the honest, raw truth of what this life actually looks like. She wanted to prepare her heart for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Each episode features conversations with heart parents, CHD adults, providers, and others navigating the deeply real world of congenital heart disease, open heart surgery, and medical complexity. You'll hear practical advice, emotional honesty, and stories that remind you that you are not alone in this journey. Because this life is hard — and you deserve a place to feel seen.

Topics covered include: CHD diagnosis, heart surgery recovery, parenting a medically complex child, grief and resilience, NICU and PCICU experiences, fontan circulation, cardiac catheterization, and life after a congenital heart defect diagnosis.

Support this show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464576/support

All Episodes

Tiny Little Hearts Podcast

3. Living with a Single Ventricle: Lauren’s Story

June 02, 2025 • Katelyn McMahan • Season 1 • Episode 3

0:00 | 28:51

In this conversation, Lauren Celeskey Bednarz shares her journey living with a congenital heart defect, specifically a single ventricle condition. She discusses her early diagnosis, the challenges of growing up with a heart condition, the dynamics with her siblings, and the importance of mental health advocacy. Lauren emphasizes the need for support within the CHD community and how she finds hope despite the challenges she faces. Her story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar journeys.