Tiny Little Hearts Podcast: CHD and Heart Mom Life
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.
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Tiny Little Hearts Podcast: CHD and Heart Mom Life
17. Parenting Special Kids Network: Turning Experience into Support
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In this episode, Katelyn McMahan speaks with Jeff Thibault, co-founder of Parenting Special Kids Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children with disabilities in Arizona. Jeff shares his personal journey, detailing the challenges he and his wife Debbie faced while raising their daughter Claire, who has an intellectual disability and anxiety disorder. Their experiences led them to create a supportive community for other parents navigating similar challenges, offering resources, guidance, and a space for shared experiences.
Jeff discusses the importance of community and connection among parents, emphasizing the need for support groups where families can share their stories and strategies. He highlights the various services offered by Parenting Special Kids Network, including one-on-one coaching, assistance with navigating state and federal resources, and the development of a comprehensive guidebook for families. The conversation underscores the complexities of raising a child with disabilities and the critical role that support networks play in alleviating the burdens faced by these families.
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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.