Every Little Milestone Counts … Big!
Ollie spent his first Halloween at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center in the CICU, just 7 days post-op from his second open heart surgery. Mom Stephanie remembers that they had to get special permission to allow Ollie’s big brother,…
Heart Warrior Mom Turns Fear into Connection and Advocacy
Although she had a few months and the support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology to prepare, Karlee said handing her newborn over to strangers with the hope that they could save his life presented a whole new level of…
The Heart of a Fisherman Never Gives Up
When Children’s Cardiology said that 10-year-old Grayson would need a pacemaker, one of his parents’ most pressing concerns was whether he’d still be able to go fishing. Grayson loves playing baseball and football, showing livestock, camping and playing with his…
Supporting a Heart Warrior Family: How Can I Help?
When a family is confronted with a serious health diagnosis for their child like a congenital heart defect (CHD), it can feel like the whole world has suddenly shifted beneath their feet. They are often thrust into a new way…
A Heart Warrior Mom’s Message Reminds Others to Stay Hopeful
Taylor and Kris started their family young, and they didn’t know much about congenital heart defects in children. But when their first child, Kholson, was diagnosed with serious Congenital Heart Diseases before he was born, they threw themselves into learning…
Heart Warrior Elena Thrives Years after D-TGA Diagnosis
When Elena had life-saving heart surgery at just two days old, her mom Amanda says they must have poured a little extra love and kindness in before they closed her up. Going from a devastating diagnosis of Dextro-Transposition of the…
I Wish I Would’ve Known How Strong She Is
Sending a child to kindergarten with a CHD diagnosis can be nerve-wracking. But when Katie looks back on that day now, she can only be amazed by all her daughter has accomplished. Born 21 years ago at just four pounds…
Heart Warrior Rudy Loves Church, Hugs and WWE Wrestling
Eight-year-old Rudy’s mom, Heidi, said her family’s world was flipped upside down when her son had three open heart surgeries in two years to correct his CHDs. But she looks at him today and sees strong little boy who loves…
Heart Warrior Mom Now Educates Others About Children’s Cardiology
After a typical pregnancy and uneventful delivery, Holly and Dan didn’t expect to be doing anything other than enjoying the birth of their second daughter with their family. But just hours after Annabelle’s birth, they discovered she had a rare…
The Littlest Heart Warriors Can Move Mountains
Even before Everleigh Faith came into the world, her name marked her as a miracle child who would overcome great obstacles. Diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and MAPCAS (Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries), her congenital heart disease (CHD) journey…
