Heart to Heart with Anna

Heart to Heart with Anna

Revitalize your spirit and connect with the vibrant congenital heart defect (CHD) community through 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' the pioneering podcast that has been inspiring and informing listeners for years. Join us as we dive deep into the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of Survivors, their loved ones, esteemed medical professionals, and other remarkable individuals within the CHD community. With unwavering dedication, our heartfelt conversations bring to light the stories that need to be heard. Gain invaluable insights, expert advice, and a sense of empowerment as we explore the multifaceted world of CHD. Our mission is to uplift, educate, and enrich the lives of every member of this incredible community. Embark on a transformative listening experience where compassion and understanding thrive. Discover the resilience and unwavering spirit that reside within each person touched by CHD. Together, let's build a community where support and knowledge flourish, bringing hope to the forefront. Tune in to 'Heart to Heart with Anna' and embark on a remarkable journey that will leave you inspired, enlightened, and connected to the beating heart of the CHD community. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna--1256958/support.

Episodes

August 28, 2025 45 mins
Tyler Šajdák wasn't supposed to grow up. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 1993, he was part of a generation receiving experimental surgeries with uncertain outcomes. Today, at 31, he works as an academic advisor, pursues a master's degree, and serves as a powerful advocate for the adult congenital heart defect community.

"I've been told by people that just by looking at me, they wouldn't know that I had a heart defect," ...
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What happens when a tiny heart warrior inspires a movement of love and advocacy? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Haley Graham, whose daughter Emberly Dawn was born with multiple heart defects, including a rare Taussig-Bing anomaly. Haley takes us through the emotional journey from that first concerning ultrasound to the founding of Embers of Love, a nonprofit that's changing lives across Manitoba.

Haley shares the raw...
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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 pregnan...
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Monique Kemp's world turned upside down when her unborn son was diagnosed with an interrupted aortic arch at seven months of pregnancy. What followed was a harrowing journey through six open-heart surgeries, months of hospitalization, and the birth of something unexpected – a powerful vision for supporting other families facing similar challenges.

From those early days sitting beside her newborn's hospital bed to founding Heart of H...
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(00:00:00) A Brother's Unexpected Diagnosis
(00:04:41) Introduction and Anne-Marie's Legacy
(00:09:55) Dr. Novick's Global Cardiac Alliance
(00:14:57) Ana's Brother Daniel and His Condition
(00:24:56) The Search for a Heart Transplant
(00:30:41) Creating Heart for Daniel Foundation
(00:35:15) Building Pakistan's First Children's Heart Hospital

From a family vacation that turned tragic to the creation of Pakistan's first specialize...
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What happens when you've spent your whole life thinking your heart condition was "fixed," only to discover it's actually a lifelong journey? Elle Pendrick shares this profound revelation that came after her fourth open-heart surgery, forever changing how she understood her congenital heart disease.

Born in 1983 with complex CHD in rural Australia, Elle's early years were defined by long journeys to Sydney for medical care. Growing u...
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(00:00:00) Anna's Wrist Injury Journey
(00:01:59) Anna's Wrist Injury Journey
(00:04:19) Introducing Amy Erhart
(00:05:46) Fundraising for the CHD Community
(00:12:27) Putt Around Kaleida Fundraiser
(00:20:34) Amy's Podcast Journey
(00:26:56) The Power of Shared Stories
(00:34:11) Family Support and Legacy

A broken wrist serves as an unexpected metaphor for the heart warrior's journey in this illuminating conversation with fundrai...
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In dieser speziellen deutschsprachigen Episode von 'Herz zu Herz mit Anna' spricht Jodi Alderfel mit Marina Lohri, die mit Trikuspidalatresie, ASD und VSD geboren wurde und eine modifizierte Fontan-Operation überlebte. Marina teilt ihre lebenslange Reise, von ihrer Herzoperation als Baby bis hin zu ihrer Karriere bei atHeart Medical, einem Unternehmen, das Geräte zur Behandlung von ASD entwickelt. Die Episode erörtert auch Marinas ...
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The journey of raising a child with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD) involves navigating far more than just medical challenges. Behind every heart surgery and cardiology appointment lies a complex web of developmental considerations that can profoundly shape a child's future.

Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a clinical neuropsychologist with over 16 years of experience in cardiac neurodevelopment, brings clarity to this often-overlooked as...
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When Sara Bonneau's newborn son was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, she had no roadmap for the journey ahead. In this raw and powerful conversation, she takes us through the evolution of parenting a child with a serious heart defect—from the terrifying early days without social media support groups to watching her son become a competitive high school basketball player.

Sara's candor about her mental health struggles resonates de...
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In this engaging episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, we dive into the significant strides made in pediatric cardiology, focusing on hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and the inspiring journey of dedicated professionals like Dr. Paul Grossfeld. This episode highlights the complex nature of congenital heart disease, exploring not just the technical advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care, but also the emotio...
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Emily Falcon's journey with a rare heart condition is nothing short of inspiring. After multiple heart surgeries, she defied the odds and became a dedicated 5K athlete, showcasing resilience that many find empowering. Joined by Jenn Dimas from the Fort Worth Public Library, Emily shares how literature has been a powerful companion in navigating her chronic illness. This episode also shines a light on Heart Month, weaving in persona...
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After facing the heart-wrenching loss of a beloved family matriarch to a once-benign heart condition, I am reminded of the fragile nature of life and the critical importance of heart health. Join me as we explore these deeply personal connections to heart disease and the heartfelt stories of families who navigate these challenges with resilience and love. This episode kicks off with a touching account of a family who urged me to sh...
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Can an unexpected adventure in Kraków teach you about resilience and support? Join me, Anna Jaworski, as I recount a thrilling axe-throwing escapade with my husband, Frank, which became an unexpected metaphor for our family's journey with our courageous daughter, Hope, who battles a congenital heart defect. In this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna, we spotlight the power of belief and community support, drawing parallels between...
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After an unexpected illness during a trip to Poland, I found myself in a reflective state, pondering the journey of "Heart to Heart with Anna" and what lies ahead. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of our 11-year milestone, filled with gratitude for the community that has grown alongside us. I introduce you to some key figures who've enriched our podcast, including producer Rita Scoggins, who shares her family's connection to...
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Unlock the future of heart care and understand how a revolutionary cooperative platform is reshaping the landscape of congenital heart disease treatment. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking innovations at HeartWorks, a transformative program at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Tim Nelson. With heartfelt insights from Erin Borkowski, a dedicated heart mom, and Rachael Gott, an inspiring adult living with congenital heart disease, we ...
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Ever thought you could lead an exhilarating life despite a congenital heart defect? Meet Ben Johnson, a formidable heart warrior born with tetralogy of Fallot. Tune in as Ben, now 45, recounts his spirited childhood and how his heart condition didn't stop him from being a vibrant, active child. From hospital memories to a loving family and supportive teachers, Ben's story is a testament to resilience and the power of a strong suppo...
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Do Halloween festivities bring more joy or concern when you’re living with a congenital heart defect? Ashley DeMarco shares her journey growing up with complex heart conditions, turning personal challenges into stories of resilience. Alongside her, we hear from Michael Liben, who navigates grief with humor on his podcast "Bereaved but Still Me," and Rita, who provides a multi-generational perspective on congenital heart disease (CH...
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Meet Marina Lohri, a true trailblazer in the world of congenital heart defects (CHDs). Born with tricuspid atresia, a ventricular septal defect, and an atrial septal defect, Marina’s journey from a life-saving C-section to being among the first in Switzerland to undergo a modified-Fontan procedure at just 11 months old is nothing short of miraculous. In our conversation, Marina unfolds her inspiring story and shares her passion for...
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Unlock the latest in cardiac neurodevelopmental research with Dr. Dawn Ilardi, a distinguished clinical neuropsychologist, as we navigate the complexities of how congenital heart defects (CHDs) impact children's neurodevelopment. Discover the groundbreaking strides made by the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC), a global network of over 50 institutions revolutionizing clinical care and research. Explore cutting...
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