Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD

Ellie was born with CHD, facing numerous challenges along the way. However, the most significant complication she endured was a stroke. Looking back, she recalls the frustrating journey of seeking help for her worsening symptoms—only to be told it was all in her head and that everything was fine. Doubting herself, she trusted the doctors' reassurances and pushed through, ignoring the warning...

Heartworks is a nonprofit organization founded in June202 to build on the groundbreaking work started by Tod and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at Mayo Clinic in 2010. Today, Kelly and I had a great conversation about a clinical trial through Heartworks that involves a skin punch biopsy to create cardiac stem cells using reprogrammed cell technology. We share...

At 55, Chantelle has seen her fair share of changes in the medical field.  Being born in the 70's she's been extremely fortunate to have little intervention in her life along that way.  However, she now faces the next phase of CHD and the possibility of transplant.  She states it wonderfully; even though we are born with CHD, doesn't mean we need to place our life on hold, it's...

***Mental Illness*** Amber's CHD journey doesn't come without fight.  At a young age not only did she struggled with CHD, but mental illness reared its ugly head in her life.  She just so happened to get an email and she took charge of her mental health, because she knew it was time.  Please join me as she shares her what has helped her push trough the feels of being a burden and how she...

Annie's CHD journey starts in Lima, Peru.  Being born with CHD and not having all the necessary resources it was essential she make it to the states to have life saving surgery.  After being adopted by a wonderful family, she was able to have the interventions needed to thrive today.  Annie has had some health challenges along the way, but at 46 she is living a healthy life and continues to t...

Laura's story starts like most of ours.  Born with CHD and living most of her life in the CHD world.  As an adult, her health deteriorated and she was faced with transplant.  Her journey is truly unique.  She has so many serendipitous moments throughout her transplant, that she is exactly where she needs to be and continues to thrive 8 months post transplant. If you are finding yourself in th...

Jason's life is full of passion and drive.  Growing up with CHD and finding out it was his time to have a transplant, came a a complete surprise, but he evaluated his life and came to terms that this was the best option for him.  Join me as he takes us through his CHD/Transplant journey.  https://www.facebook.com/jasonstransplantjourney If you would like to be on the show please reach out!  F...

Neal's story hit me different. We frequently concentrate on the present moment, often overlooking how our youthful experiences and choices can significantly influence our future well-being.  He hit on a hard truth:  the health-related decisions we make in our younger years can greatly impact our health outcomes later in life. Neal experienced this firsthand when he received an unexpected diag...

Today's episode I talk with Daniel.  This is so different than most episodes in the fact that he focus' on his adventures in life.  His HLHS hasn't slowed him down and while he admits he is living an ideal life, he knows things are coming in the future, but he focuses on the now!   If you would like to be on the show please reach out!  Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page:...

Kelly joins me to today and speak about her CHD journey.  What I love about talking with Kelly is that she has such an appreciation for life and moves through her story with love and understanding.   She recounts how she and her husband get an unexpected diagnosis within their family, that takes 1 in 100 to a new meaning along with many other stories within her 36 years of life!   If you would lik...

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Jojo.  She take us through her journey of wanting cosmetic surgery, but instead got way more than she bargained for.  After moving to a new state her plan to live normally were turned upside down when she saw a new cardiologist.  She now is living her life in heart failure and the way she take it is stride goes to show even though our circumstances aren&a...

Today Aaron shares his story of living the life.  He decided to take his passion of playing music and make it his career in his younger years.  However, that doesn't mean CHD didn't creep up on him and have other plans.  Aaron takes us through his journey of navigating his life as a musician while still dealing with CHD.  After years of living the dream is slowed things down and talks a...

Today, Chastity tells us about her heart transplant journey.  Never meeting Chastity and not knowing her story I'm so honored she shared it with us!  She takes us through the initial moments of feeling that deep down something wasn't right, to continuing to push herself to live her life as her heart is failing her all the way through her transplant.  How rapidly her health started to det...

I sit down with Elise today as she shares her heart journey starting with her mom finding out in utero.  In her 20's her family makes the decision to move to New Mexico and due to altitude it doesn't go as planned and has to move back to her home state of Arizona.  Elise also shares her struggles with her both heart and mental health and how it is important to address your trauma. If you...

Today Remy walks us through her heart journey, recounting her early years and the stuggles after her fontan surgery.   As she struggled with issues from her fontan, her provider turns her to social media platforms to engage with the community.  Which is how she came upon being on the Podcast.  If you would like to be on the show please reach out!  Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham Instagram:  amyer...

I want to thank everyone who volunteered to be on the podcast in 2024, those who are spending time with me in 2025 and those who are taking the time to listen!! A huge thank you to you all! Much Love Amy!   

Today, Andrew tells his story of being born with HLHS.  His parents did not know about his heart defect prior to being born and his diagnosis came days after being home.  Given his experience in middle school Andrew had to find a balance between being defined by his heart defect and being proud of it.  I think Andrew does a fantastic job telling his story and how he has found the balance over come...

Today I am talking with 3 fellow CHDers who went to St. Louis in October 2024.  The conference is hosted by Fontan Outcome Network and NPC-QIC; CHD physicians, patients and their families come to learn about heart and liver health and how to extend the life of single ventricle patients.   For patients it is a time to grow friendships and talk about our past present and future and to hear others he...

This is such an amazing story!  Anna's journey started when she became a heart mom.  She through devoting her time to learning about her child's heart condition of hypolastic left heart syndrome, her purpose became so much more!  Sit back and listen to hear journey as she take you from her first step of research and questioning her child's care all they way to where she is today wit...

Meagan shares the process her and her husband went through to gain a precious gift.  When it comes to children, we so often we don't realize how hard it is for CHD patients.  Going through testing to make sure our hearts are strong enough, to making a final decision of how we want to bring a child into our lives.  So many emotions are placed on overdrive in what should be one of the most joyo...

Imagine moving to another part of the state for our child.  That is what Tiffany did, with the help of her husband, family and friends.   Tiffany, so beautifully tells the story of her son Boston, having a missed diagnosis on an ultrasound and working through the struggles when her child was born.  I think this is as much a story of how much a mother/caregiver will sacrifice for their child and th...

Today Hannah shares her CHD story.  Not only does she have a heart defect, but she has had to deal with other health issues along the way, that seemingly pose a greater risk to her currently.  Aside from this, Hannah has found her purpose in raising her daughter Hazel and raising awareness for CHD. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can hit me up at: Instragram:  a...

Hello!  Today I get to speak with Ashley as she share's her journey with HRHS.  She has had to deal with more than just a heart defect in her life.  In  adulthood she developed an unexpected clotting disorder and shares the story of how she managed to get through this challenge all while being away from home.  Her struggles did stop her as she is thriving today!  If you or someone you know wo...

Michelle started out at Nationwide Children's in exercise physiology working in the stress test lab.  After taking in all the information from mentors, she decided she wanted to focus on the whole person and one with CHD.  She is making moves in the community by helping single ventricle patients learn how to move their body in a way that works for them.  You can find her on instagram spreadin...

Dr. Davis started his career in 1960.  In this podcast you will hear how and why he chose to become a pediatric surgeon and what he has done throughout his incredible career.  When asked how many surgeries he has completed he stated around 5000!  His journey of learning new and uncharted territory is just as intriguing as ours.  He has seen, as well as been a part of the strides the medical field...