How do families navigate the uncharted waters of raising children with congenital heart disease (CHD)? Join us on a groundbreaking episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, where we host our very first live show with a studio audience! With guests like Amanda, Joey, Michael, Ayrton, Regina, Rachel, and Chris, you'll hear raw and honest conversations about everything from recent surgeries to the complexities of living with DiGeorge syndrome and HLHS. The live audience format brings an unscripted, spontaneous energy that's sure to engage and inspire.

Ever wondered what it takes to grow a podcast network dedicated to CHD? We share our ambitious plans for the next five years, including launching podcasts in multiple languages such as Spanish, Urdu, and even an African language. You’ll laugh along with us as we recount some of the humorous mishaps we've encountered—like losing an internet connection during a live show from a coffee shop! Our journey is a testament to the passion and community effort behind each episode, evolving from personal contacts to listener-generated suggestions.

This episode also offers a deep dive into the emotional landscape of CHD families. Special guests Meg Didier and Annie Ulchek, HLHS survivors, discuss the unique challenges they face. We cover a range of sensitive topics, such as the role of fathers, the experiences of career moms, and the emotional toll on siblings. Discover how CBD and THC are being used for anxiety and pain management, and meet a father who opens up about the scars left by navigating the challenge of raising a child with a CHD while also parenting two heart-healthy children. We cap off by emphasizing the importance of awareness initiatives like placing AEDs in schools and invite you, our listeners, to contribute your stories and feedback for future projects.

Previous episodes mentioned in this podcast episode:

The Courageous Chronicle of Hope: From Heart Surgery to Self-Discovery https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/15027473

Congenital Heart Defects and Gender Identity:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/11506572

LBGTQ+ and the CHD Community:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/episodes/11968012

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