From Cape Town to Courage: Navigating CHD in South Africa

What happens when your child needs heart surgery, but the operation keeps getting postponed? How do you navigate a complex healthcare system while still supporting other families going through similar struggles? Candice Swartland takes us deep into this reality from Cape Town, South Africa.

Candice's journey began when her son Riley was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot shortly after birth—despite monthly ultrasounds during pregnancy that detected nothing wrong. Through three open-heart surgeries and the constant waiting for a fourth, Candice discovered strength she never knew she had. "Despite whatever you are going through," she shares, "you and your family and your kid with heart disease, you are still there for the next heart parent."

The striking differences between CHD care in South Africa versus more developed nations become clear as Candice describes the waiting game for surgeries, where emergency cases repeatedly push Riley's procedure further down the list. Yet amidst these challenges, something beautiful emerges: a global community of heart families connected by shared experiences that transcend borders.

Perhaps most inspiring is how Riley defied medical expectations. Doctors predicted he would never attend a normal school, yet today he's a top student in his class. Even more remarkable, both Riley and another heart warrior have become advocates themselves, running awareness programs at their school.

This conversation reveals the universal truths of the CHD journey: the fear, the faith that sustains us, and the power of community. As Candice powerfully states, "Your child is my child. Together, we are one." Her words remind us that whether in South Africa or anywhere else in the world, heart families share a profound connection that makes us stronger together.

Links discussed in the episode:

The Cure Gala: https://www.buildingthecure.org/events

Brave Little Hearts South Africa: https://www.facebook.com/BraveLittleHeartsSA

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Chapters

• 0:00 A special thought from Candice Swartland
• 1:11 CHD News
• 2:10 Anna's Story
• 4:59 The Interview
• 12:53 [Ad] Wholesome TV Picks: Stop Wasting Time, Start Watching Shows You Trust
• 13:39 (Cont.) The Interview

Transcript

Candice Swartland: Despite whatever you are going through, you and your family and your kid with heart disease, you are still there for the next heart parent. You can share your story and be a beacon of hope for the next one.

Anna Jaworski: Hello friends and welcome back to Heart to Heart with Anna. I'm so glad you're here with me today. I'm Anna Jaworski, heart mom to an amazing adult with a single ventricle heart who turns 31 years old in August, 2025. In this episode, we're taking a trip halfway around the world to hear from Candice Swartland , a heart mom from South Africa. Candice shares her powerful story about her son's congenital heart defect and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system in her country and how she became a volunteer for Brave Little Heart South Africa . When we recorded this conversation, she was still anxiously awaiting her son's [00:01:00] next open heart surgery, which was yet to be scheduled, but I'll have an exciting update about that a little later in the show. First, let's take a moment for the CHD news.

CHD News

Anna Jaworski: If you have your calendar nearby, go ahead and mark this one down. The CURE gala is happening on September 27th, 2025, at the Cable Center in Denver, Colorado. This is the third annual black tie charity ball benefiting children born with congenital heart defects.

 The evening will feature silent and live auctions, the prestigious CURE awards, live entertainment, and an update on groundbreaking research by Dr. Doris Taylor, who is working to build an entire human heart from stem cells. Yes, you heard that right. This is science fiction turned science fact.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, so if you're looking for a meaningful way to give back [00:02:00] and enjoy a night of elegance with others in the CHD community, this may be the perfect event for you. I'll include a link in the show notes so you can learn more.

Anna's Story

Anna Jaworski: Before we dive into today's conversation, I want to take a moment to share a little bit of what's been going on behind the scenes. You may have noticed that 2025 has been a bit rocky in terms of podcast consistency, and I appreciate your patience more than you know.

After breaking my wrist earlier this year, my usual routine was completely thrown off. The all-nighters I used to pull to meet podcast deadlines--they've been replaced by some forced rest, and believe me, rest is not my strong suit. On top of that, I've been traveling more often to Florida to support my son, and like many of you, I face some painful family challenges, including grandparent alienation.

I won't go into the details here, [00:03:00] but I will say that if you're walking through something hard right now. You are not alone. Despite it all, we're still committed to four episodes a month, and we're making a small change in how we do that. From now on, we'll continue to bring you two brand new episodes each month, one live show for our amazing patrons and volunteers, and we're moving our community chat from Discord over to Zoom for a more accessible and interactive experience. And when I need to recharge, I head out to my garden. If you've seen the latest pictures on Facebook, you know my Molineux roses are in full bloom, along with the other antique roses in my front yard and my Julia Child roses on the side of my house.

Since last year's tornado destroyed our beautiful ash tree, I've added some Texas lilacs and a red bud tree in memory of a very special CHD angel.

Now onto the backyard. That's Frank's domain. [00:04:00] That's where Jaworski Park comes alive with umbrella plants, elephant ears, lantana, and a fig tree so big it could probably qualify for its own zip code. And of course, it's all guarded by a six foot tall T-Rex, a baby triceratops, a few velociraptors, and our ever-watchful oviraptor.

Our poor pterodactyl was knocked out of its perch by last year's tornado, and is currently undergoing some much-needed repairs, but it'll be flying again soon. Life may not always go as planned, but like any good garden, it still grows, surprises, and delights.

HUG Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The opinions expressed in the podcast are not those of Heart Unite the Globe, but of the hosts and guests, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to congenital heart disease or bereavement.

The Interview

Anna Jaworski: Today's [00:05:00] guest is Candice Falcon Swartland from Cape Town, South Africa. Candice and her husband are parents to Riley and Chase. Riley had his first heart surgery at 20 days old and has had three open-heart surgeries.

He is currently waiting for another heart repair. Candice represents Brave Little Heart South Africa, a local congenital heart defect (or CHD) nonprofit run by Raadhiyah Matthews, and Raadhiyah is our producer today. So thank you, Raadhiyah, for producing the program today.

Raadiyah Matthews: Thank you, and I'm very happy to be here. 

Anna Jaworski: I'm so happy to have you here because after we record this program, friends, we are going to record our first show in Afrikaans, and Raadhiyah will be the guest host, and I will be the producer for that program.

But first, let's get to know Candice. Welcome to Heart to Heart, with Anna, Candice. 

Candice Swartland: Hi, I'm happy to be here. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh, I'm so happy to [00:06:00] talk to you sweetie. Let's start by learning a little bit more about Riley, Candice. What is the name of his heart defect? 

Candice Swartland: Tetrology of Fallot and his valves are blocked, and he has a hole in his heart.

Anna Jaworski: Okay. tetrology of Fallot is a very common heart defect, and it was one of the first critical congenital heart defects that children were operated on successfully, and it was also known as Blue Baby Syndrome. 

Candice Swartland: I remember one of Riley's doctors used to say that is Smurf because they used to be blue.

Anna Jaworski: Oh, yes, yes. Yeah. Nobody wants to hear that their baby's a Smurf baby. Yes.

But we all know exactly what you mean. It's funny because my daughter was not born with tetrology of Fallot. However, when she was about 10 years old, she was doing TaeKwonDo and she would be running [00:07:00] laps in the dojo. Her heart was not doing as well, at that time, as we would've liked it to have been.

So by the time she did the second or third lap, the tip of her nose turned blue, and her fingertips turned blue

Candice Swartland: Okay. 

Anna Jaworski: Plus, she was also on the swim team, and when she would go into really cold water... 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: ...Her nose would turn blue and her lips would turn purple, and I would have to snatch her out of the water and warm her up with the towel. Then, when she was warm enough, I could let her go in. Finally, after complaining about it to some other heart moms... 

Candice Swartland: Yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...somebody said, "Why don't you get a wetsuit?" So I asked the swim coach if she could have a wetsuit, and he said, "Well, she can have a wetsuit when we're practicing, but if she wants to go to competition, that would give her too much of an unfair advantage."

And she said, "Mom, I don't have to compete. I just wanna swim with the local kids." As soon as I got her that wetsuit, oh my gosh, it made such a [00:08:00] huge difference for her. Now your child is black. Do they look blue-- the same way that... I mean, I'm very white, so the blue is really blue for us. 

Candice Swartland: No, you can actually see it like he usually turns blue at the fingertips, and at times, if it is really bad, then his tongue even... 

Anna Jaworski: That's what I had heard was that you could tell in the mouth more easily when a child is dark skinned. Interesting. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: So we learned in the introduction that Riley has had three open-heart surgeries. Can you tell me about what kinds of surgeries he's had and where he had them? 

Candice Swartland: He had one on the left and one on the right of his sides of his ribs, and then he had two in the middle of his chest. Currently has three shunts. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: But only two are currently [00:09:00] working. That's why he is awaiting to have his heart repeat. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh my goodness. Okay. 

Candice Swartland: And we are waiting for a few years already, because at first he was too small. He had to gain some weight and he had to grow a bit. Right now, they're saying he's perfect. Now he's carrying the weight; he's grown, but now each time when it's his turn, it's not like it's an emergency. So children that need to go for emergency surgeries are seen before him, so each time it gets postponed. So his is probably not an urgent case to be done, so we just got to have patience. 

Anna Jaworski: Where is he having the surgery? Is it there in South Africa? 

Candice Swartland: Yes, in South Africa at the Red Cross Children's Hospital. [00:10:00] 

Anna Jaworski: Okay. It must be scary for you to be sitting on pins and needles waiting to see when they're going to do the operation.

Candice Swartland: It really is because each time you prepare yourself mentally 

Anna Jaworski: Sure. 

Candice Swartland: And things you do to prepare yourself, and then when it's your time, they're not canceling it because it needs to be done... 

Anna Jaworski: Right. 

Candice Swartland: But then they are postponing each time. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh my goodness. That actually happened to me with the second surgery for my daughter, but it was my fault, Candice, and I was terrified. We had the second surgery scheduled, and... 

Candice Swartland: Yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...it was springtime in central Texas. 

Candice Swartland: Hmm. 

Anna Jaworski: So I went outside to mow the grass because you could be gone for weeks. And I didn't want to come back to a jungle. I had three quarters of an acre, and I know how high the grass can grow in springtime.

So it was a beautiful spring day. I had all the windows open, and I mowed the [00:11:00] grass. And the next day my little one woke up with a runny nose, and I knew it was allergies. I knew it was allergies because I had just mowed the grass. There was no fever, no vomiting, nothing. And we still had a week before the surgery. I didn't mow it the day before.

We still had a week, but I called the nurse that worked with the surgeon. 

Candice Swartland: Mm. 

Anna Jaworski: And I said, "Look, I really think it's just allergies. I don't think it's a big deal." She said, "Well, go to the pediatrician, but I can tell you already, if there's a runny nose, the surgery will be postponed.

Candice Swartland: They're not gonna yet. Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: And I said, "Really?" I took my baby to the pediatrician and had the pediatrician check her out. There was nothing. He said, "It's just allergies. I wouldn't worry about it. There's no fever. There are no other signs there's an infection." It didn't matter. It didn't matter. They postponed it by a month and I worried every single day that... 

Candice Swartland: Yes, it feels like an [00:12:00] eternity.

Anna Jaworski: I worried, what if something happens to her? And it's all because I mowed the grass. 

Candice Swartland: Mm. 

Anna Jaworski: So I did not mow my grass after that. I was like, 'You know what? It can be a jungle. I don't care.' I told my next door neighbor what had happened, and she saw I was just devastated because the surgery had to be... 

Candice Swartland: mm-hmm.

Anna Jaworski: ...postponed and when I came home, my grass was all mown. One of my neighbors came over while we were gone and took care of my yard. 

Candice Swartland: That's awesome. That's so awesome. 

Anna Jaworski: They never came forward. I don't know who did it. People are pretty amazing sometimes. I know from working with Global Arch that most children in Africa who have heart defects, don't survive childhood. Can you give us a piece of helpful advice to those parents who are in Africa and have a child with a heart defect? 

Candice Swartland: It is very, very scary. The first two years of [00:13:00] Riley's life, we were in and out of hospital a lot. So it was very scary because it was something new as well.

Anna Jaworski: Sure. 

Candice Swartland: So whenever he even just had a cough or a runny nose, I wouldn't just take him to the normal pediatrician. I would take him straight to hospital and we would get there and I just knew we are gonna be admitted. It doesn't matter how serious it was, or how mild it was, I just knew we are staying. Like that was home away from home.

Anna Jaworski: Wow. 

Candice Swartland: Really. Even his first birthday, we celebrated in hospital. It was not sad, but at hospital, we went to development clinics and they said he's gonna be very slow and he would never be able to attend a normal school. And I said, "At the end of the day, it's also not what the [00:14:00] doctors say because we believe in our Creator and we, as parents, we pray. 

Anna Jaworski: Yes. I prayed a lot. 

Candice Swartland: And currently, he attends a normal school. He is currently in grade four, and he does very well at school. He's one of the top students in his class.

HUG Message: Heart to heart with Anna is a presentation of Hearts Unite the Globe and is part of the HUG Podcast Network Hearts Unite The Globe is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing resources to the congenital heart defect community, to uplift, empower, and enrich the lives of our community members. If you would like access to free resources pertaining to the CHD community, please visit our website at www.Congenitalheartdefects.com for information about CHD, the hospitals that treat children with CHD, summer camps for CHD survivors, and much, much [00:15:00] more.

Rejoiner: You are listening to Heart to Heart with Anna. If you have a question or comment that you would like addressed on our show, please send an email to Anna Jaworski at Anna@Hearttoheartwithanna.com. That's Anna@hearttoheartwithanna.com. Now back to Heart to Heart with Anna.

Anna Jaworski: I learned from Raadhiyah Matthews that you're one of the volunteers that works with Brave Little Heart South Africa. So can you tell me, Candice, when you first became involved with that nonprofit and why? 

Candice Swartland: I actually met Raadhiyah and her husband at the hospital. They formed the group already and they were always offering help. Even if it was just a kind word to other heart parents at the [00:16:00] hospital, and that is where I met them. But Raadhiyah was always a behind -the-scenes kind of person. Her husband was always the one doing the talking. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. But that is actually when it really started, but I wasn't that active then. Things just developed over the years. 

Anna Jaworski: So, did you get involved before Covid or after Covid? 

Candice Swartland: After Covid, but I've been part of the group since before Covid already. 

Anna Jaworski: Okay, so for quite a while then? 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: That's wonderful, and I can totally understand why you got involved because I met Fareed before I met Raadhiyah.

I met him online. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: I never had the pleasure... 

Candice Swartland: He was always the one,

Anna Jaworski: ...yes. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, unfortunately. I did get to meet Raadhiyah in person and we'll be talking about that later. But he was just such a [00:17:00] personality, wasn't he? I mean, he just had... 

Candice Swartland: The most humble soul. The most humble soul. 

Anna Jaworski: Yes, very helpful but very passionate. And... 

Candice Swartland: Yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...he wanted to change things in Africa; I was so proud of him. He was one of the first people I met from Africa who was really actively doing something to change... 

Candice Swartland: Yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...the plight of children Africa, especially South Africa. So what do you believe is the biggest challenge that people in your country face if they have a child with a heart condition?

Candice Swartland: I would think that most people don't know when children has a heart condition because it's not visible. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. Yes. 

Candice Swartland: They would think your child is normal. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: Not fair in answers because outside hospitals does provide the medical care [00:18:00] but it is tough. A lot of parents do lose hope also because perhaps they don't have the kind of support that we had with Brave Little Hearts.

Anna Jaworski: Yes, it is an invisible defect. And do you feel that all of the pediatricians are aware of heart defects and know what to look for in babies who might have a heart defect?

Candice Swartland: I'm not sure. I don't think so because I was not attending a state hospital during my pregnancy with Riley. I was private, a medical hospital, and they told me my baby is perfectly fine and healthy.

And then the day he was born. That is when we discovered that he has a heart condition. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh. Wow! Did you have ultrasounds then? 

Candice Swartland: Yes. Every month. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh my [00:19:00] goodness. Every month? 

Candice Swartland: And, yes. And they even did do the Down syndrome test. 

Anna Jaworski: The amniocentesis? 

Candice Swartland: All of that. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: They said everything is perfectly fine.

Anna Jaworski: Wow. 

Candice Swartland: And then the day he was born, a few minutes... no, he was born and then say about two hours after he was born, the pediatrician came to me and said, "There's something wrong with your baby." And I said, "What?" And they said "Something's wrong with your baby's heart." 

Anna Jaworski: Oh. 

Candice Swartland: And I just started crying because how can they do something wrong when everything was perfectly fine?

Anna Jaworski: Yes. 

Candice Swartland: I did not know what was CHD back then because... 

Anna Jaworski: mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: ...how can a baby have a heart condition? I just thought, 'Isn't that normally what happens to adults?' 

Anna Jaworski: Yeah. I think that's what most people think. Most of us who don't have a child with a heart defect, [00:20:00] associate heart attacks with people who are older... 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: ...who are obese... 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: ...who smoke, who drink. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: And of course, our baby hasn't done any of those things. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: Yeah. I had three ultrasounds and... 

Candice Swartland: mm-hmm. 

Anna Jaworski: ...they never detected anything was wrong with my baby either, but my baby's 30, so they were very grainy ultrasounds. They were not very good.

Things were... 

Candice Swartland: yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...different as far as technology back then. So I'm shocked that you had one every single month. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: And it was not picked up. Did you ever go back to the doctor and say... 

Candice Swartland: No, I didn't.

Anna Jaworski: Here's the interesting thing with my last ultrasound. The only reason why I had one was because we were disputing when the baby was due. They did one more to take the measurements, and they gave me, (because this is how long ago that was), they gave me a VHS tape because [00:21:00] they recorded them on VHS. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: Now it would be on a CD, or it would just be digital. It wouldn't even be on a CD. Yes. But I had a VHS tape, and when we switched pediatric cardiologists...

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: ...when she was two, he asked me about that. He said, "Oh, I would love to see that ultrasound." And I said, "Okay." So I brought it at her next appointment and I said, "Could you see something?" And he said, "Anna, the only reason why I could see it was because I was looking so intently for it," but they didn't conduct that ultrasound specifically looking at the heart, you know? We saw the heart that was beating, and I even remember that there wasn't a whole lot that was identifiable. The head, the feet, the hands, but you could see the heart beating. But it wasn't like the kind of ultrasounds they do nowadays. Good heavens, my granddaughter... 

Candice Swartland: Yes, you can see that something is [00:22:00] wrong. 

Anna Jaworski: Well, they have 3D, 3D ultrasounds. I mean, I could see my granddaughter's face before she was born. It was so precious. I'm shocked that it was not picked up. And that must have been devastating for you.

Candice Swartland: It was. It really was. It made me very strong as well. 

Anna Jaworski: Yes, it does, doesn't it? We find a strength that we didn't even know we had. 

Candice Swartland: Yes.

Anna Jaworski: What is, the most important lesson, Candice, that you have learned by being an advocate with Brave Little Hearts?

Candice Swartland: Despite whatever you are going through, you and your family and your kid with heart disease, you are still there for the next heart parent. You can share your story and be a beacon of hope for the next one.

Anna Jaworski: I love that. That is beautiful.

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Anna Jaworski: Candice, I'm sure that you're a busy mom since you have two children under the age of 10. How do you find the time to volunteer?

Candice Swartland: It's very hard. I am currently working in a retailer as well, so it is very hectic. But we do try. 

Anna Jaworski: What kind of work do you do as a volunteer? 

Candice Swartland: Like-- The laws. They had a advocacy program at Riley's school. Riley and Thaakira was running the show. [00:24:00] 

Anna Jaworski: Oh, how awesome. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. So that was the law. 

Anna Jaworski: So not only are you advocating, not only are you volunteering, but Riley's doing it, too!?. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: I love that. 

Candice Swartland: He speaks for himself. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh my goodness. And it's amazing what these kids pick up, isn't it? 

Candice Swartland: Yes. Very. 

Anna Jaworski: He's friends with Thaakira?

Candice Swartland: Yes. The two of them. At first, they used to be very shy. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: But as they grew older, they came out of their shell. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. I think it helps our kids when they know they're not the only ones. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: Are there summer camps for children with heart defects in South Africa?

Candice Swartland: No, there are not. Not that I know of. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. We do have some here in the [00:25:00] United States. My child never wanted to go to them. There weren't a whole lot when she was young. 

Candice Swartland: Mm-hmm. 

Anna Jaworski: And she didn't want to be singled out by her heart condition, even though I knew it would be good for her to go.

We actually went to one that was for families called Camp Joy in Ohio one year, and I was a speaker. 

Candice Swartland: Mm-hmm. 

Anna Jaworski: The great thing about that was they had sessions for parents. They had sessions for the siblings, and they had sessions for the heart warriors. And the heart warriors actually made a quilt. They finger painted, they put their hand prints on cloth, and then they had volunteers who were going to make all of the hand prints into a quilt.

Candice Swartland: Wow. 

Anna Jaworski: And I thought that was really something special. Something sweet. 

Candice Swartland: That's awesome. 

Anna Jaworski: It really was neat, and I hope that maybe that's something that will happen in your country because I think there is strength for the children, when they come to know [00:26:00] others who have the same condition. It kind of takes away the stigma because like we said, this is an invisible illness. 

Candice Swartland: It's like they don't also want to be singled out. 

Anna Jaworski: Mm-hmm. Oh, I know! Hope hated it when I would pull her out of the water because she was too blue, or Master Schultz would pull her aside because she got too blue when she was running. She hated that. She was like, "I can do it. I can do it." But we just didn't want her to have a heart attack or pass out. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: Because she wasn't obviously getting enough oxygen, and that's why she was turning blue. So it does help when there are other children who have the same kind of restrictions. 

Candice Swartland: Yeah. 

Anna Jaworski: And they see the other kids having to postpone or, slow down a little bit, and there's nothing wrong with them, it's just that their heart is telling them, "Hey! Gotta take it easy for a minute here." 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: What advice would you give to other people who are interested [00:27:00] in volunteering with an organization, but just don't think they have anything to offer? 

Candice Swartland: You've always got something to offer. Don't feel like that. Just remember: there could be someone that also thinks that way, like no one cares or there's no support. No one knows what they are going through. Don't ever feel like that because there's always someone--you might not always know what to say, but you can be there to listen.

Anna Jaworski: And sometimes that's all you need. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. And never lose your fight. Never. Just keep on praying. 

Anna Jaworski: Yeah, I think that's so important. I had my Bible with me at the hospital, and many, many, many prayers were said for my baby, not just at my church, but my neighbors were different religions, and I would get cards in the mail from other churches telling me they had a [00:28:00] service said in my child's honor.

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: That meant so much to me. I agree. I think this challenges our faith. 

Candice Swartland: Yes, it does. It really does. 

Anna Jaworski: But I think if you can hold onto your faith that... 

Candice Swartland: Yes 

Anna Jaworski: ...can help you to get through. I think ultimately we come to realize we're not in control, are we, Candice?

Candice Swartland: Yes. We're not. 

Anna Jaworski: No. And I think if you think you're in control, it'll make you crazy. 

Candice Swartland: Yes, it will. 

Anna Jaworski: And it's hard, because as a parent, what is our number one job? Keeping our children safe. 

Candice Swartland: Yeah. 

Anna Jaworski: We can't keep them safe from this. All we can do is be there and provide as much love and support and medical attention as we possibly can, but I know, especially in Africa, there may not be a hospital close by that can provide the kind of care that you were lucky to receive for [00:29:00] Riley.

Candice Swartland: Mm. 

Anna Jaworski: No matter how long or how short their life is with us, that life matters. 

Candice Swartland: Yes, indeed.

Anna Jaworski: Raising awareness of heart defects is something that so many of us are trying to do, and yet it seems that there are still a lot of people who have never heard of congenital heart defects. What advice would you give to a new advocate on how to spread the word about congenital heart defects? 

Candice Swartland: Your child is my child; together we're one.

Anna Jaworski: I love that. Can you tell me something special that you've done with Brave Little Heart South Africa that you think helped to spread awareness to others in your community?

Candice Swartland: When Fareed was still alive, Raadhiyah's husband... 

Anna Jaworski: mm-hmm. 

Candice Swartland: ...When he was still alive, they used to do this thing on [00:30:00] Facebook. For example, Riley is going into surgery tomorrow. He would post, like he would speak to the parents or the family first, and he would ask if it's okay if he said something on social media and he would post about it and he would like, give a background of Riley's story and he would say, 'okay, he's going into surgery' -- not nearly every day. He would update on the social platform and Wow. You would get so much response on the increase of loved ones and even people you don't know, strangers even. It was just so encouraging.

You just never felt alone. You never had the time to feel alone. 

Anna Jaworski: Oh, I love that. 

Candice Swartland: That man was just so awesome--really. One of a kind. 

Anna Jaworski: He was. And that's how I got to know him was because of Facebook. I saw him making those posts.

Candice Swartland: He was just awesome. [00:31:00] May his soul rest in peace. 

Anna Jaworski: Yes. I just loved him so much. His passion. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: And starting this support group with his wife and... 

Candice Swartland: yes, 

Anna Jaworski: ...this nonprofit, and knowing that this was something that he felt he could make a change. 

Candice Swartland: Yes. 

Anna Jaworski: I love it that you got involved with Fareed and that you are now helping his wife Raadhiyah and that you're here on my program because this is another way that we can spread the word. Thank you so much, Candice, for sharing your story with me in English, and I can't wait for you to share your story in Afrikaans as well. 

Candice Swartland: You're very welcome.

Anna Jaworski: Wasn't that an incredible conversation? I'm so grateful to Candice Swartland for sharing her heart with us-- from the everyday challenges of raising a child with A CHD [00:32:00] in South Africa, to the uncertainty and frustration of waiting for surgery, and the inspiring choice to become a volunteer with Brave Little Hearts South Africa.

Her resilience and love were so palpable during our interview. And now, just as I promised, I have some wonderful news to share. Since we recorded this episode, Candice's son Riley has had his open-heart surgery, and he's doing great. In fact, Riley's recovery has gone so well that he was even featured on the news.

I'll include a link in the show notes if you'd like to see the segment for yourself. It's such a beautiful testament to Riley's strength and to Candice's unwavering advocacy. If today's episode moved you, or if you found comfort, encouragement, or community in the podcast, I'd like to invite you to consider becoming a patron or volunteer.

Our patrons help keep this show going with their monthly support. And our volunteers? They're the [00:33:00] heart of everything we do behind the scenes. You'll also get access to our monthly live shows and have a chance to connect more deeply with others in our Heart to Heart community. You can find more information in the show notes or visit our website to learn how you can get involved.

Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey. Whether you're tuning in from Texas, South Africa, or anywhere between your presence here matters. You remind me week after week that none of us are walking this path alone. I'm Anna Jaworski, and this has been Heart to Heart with Anna, where we share stories, celebrate victories, and hold space for every part of our CHD journey.

Until next time, remember my friends, you are not alone. 

Conclusion: [00:34:00] Thank you again for joining us this week. We hope you have become inspired and empowered to become an advocate for the congenital heart community. Heart to heart with Anna, with your host, Anna Jaworski can be heard at any time wherever you get your podcasts. A new episode is released every Tuesday from noon Eastern time.