In the Presence of Superheroes: How One Heart Warrior Continues to Beat the Odds
Camdyn, born with Down syndrome and complex CHDs, defies expectations. Follow her inspiring journey from open heart surgery to thriving, joyful kindergarten life.
Physicians with Heart: Dr. Rachel McKay
From Local Roots to Pediatric Heart Care at Children’s Born and raised in the metro area, Rachel McKay, MD, knew of the excellent reputation of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta long before she began pursuing a career in medicine. Now that…
Physicians with Heart: Dr. Brian Cardis
Learn how Brian Cardis, MD transitioned from pharmacy to pediatric cardiology and now cares for children with heart conditions across Macon, Albany and Valdosta.
Energy Drinks and Teen Heart Health: What Parents Should Know
Energy drinks are everywhere—from convenience stores to sports sidelines. Many teens reach for them to stay awake, boost energy, or improve focus. But for teens with congenital or acquired heart conditions, these drinks can pose unique risks. We spoke with…
Timothy Slesnick, MD: Advancing Pediatric Cardiac Imaging
Discovering a Passion for Pediatric Cardiac Imaging Although he first thought he would become a surgeon, Timothy Slesnick, MD, discovered a strong affinity for imaging – specifically pediatric cardiac imaging – in medical school. When Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology…
C3’s Heart Journey: A First-Time Mom’s Story of Strength and Hope
A Heart Diagnosis That Changed Everything As a young, first-time mom, Ashley knew that becoming a parent would change her life—but she didn’t realize just how dramatic that change would be until baby Christopher, affectionately known as C3, made his…
ADHD Medications and Heart Health: What Families Need to Know
When a child is diagnosed with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a heart condition, parents often have questions—and concerns—about how treatment for one condition might affect the other. ADHD medications, especially stimulants, are widely prescribed and effective, but they also…
Sports Physicals: Q&A with a Pediatric Cardiologist
Understanding Sports Physicals What is a sports physical, and why is it important for children and teens? A sports physical is a targeted history and medical exam designed to find children and teens more at risk for injury and medical…
Emmanuel Brings a Fighting Spirit to a Tough Battle
Fierce persistence and a nagging mother’s intuition that something wasn’t right led newborn Emmanuel to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center on Christmas morning two years ago. His mom, Brielle—a veterinarian—noticed that he looked and sounded different from her…
Preparing for the Financial Aspects of CHD
When a family learns that their child has a congenital heart defect, the financial considerations of that serious diagnosis is often the last thing on their minds. However, along with providing your child with the best heart care and treatment…