Today, Mia joins us to share her incredibly unique story. Born with a congenital heart defect of her own, Mia has lived a healthy and vibrant life. When she and her husband decided to grow their family, she knew there were potential risks after  conversations with her medical team.

At her 21-week fetal ultrasound, they learned that her son would also be born with a congenital heart defect.

In this episode, Mia vulnerably walks us through her pregnancy journey — the emotions, the unknowns, and the strength it took to move forward with courage. She shares how she advocated for specialized care, made critical decisions for both herself and her baby, and prepared for a birth that would require a carefully coordinated medical team.

Join us as we talk about generational CHD, maternal intuition, advocacy, and the powerful resilience of a heart mom who has lived both sides of the story — as a patient and now as a parent.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Today, we’re joined by members of Mezzion, a pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for those living with single ventricle heart conditions. In our conversation with John, Margaret Sarah, and Meg, we learn more about their mission to bring hope to the CHD community through their FUEL-2 study.

FUEL-2 is exploring a potential new medication called udenafil, designed to help children and teens who have undergone the Fontan procedure. The study is looking at whether this treatment can improve energy levels, exercise capacity, and daily functioning, while also evaluating its safety.

Join us as they share more about Mezzion’s work, the population they serve, and how studies like FUEL-2 could make a meaningful difference for the single ventricle community.

https://mezzion.com/

https://www.fuel2study.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mezzion

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

** Trigger Warning** 

Today’s conversation includes honest discussion about heart transplant and the realities that come with it. If that feels tender for you right now, please pause and come back when you’re ready.

Today, we sit down with Kristin to share her powerful journey to a heart transplant. In this episode, she opens up about the early steps of the process, the overwhelming flood of information that comes with it, and the emotional weight of navigating such a life-changing path.

With honesty and resilience, Kristin walks us through what it truly means to prepare for transplant — the uncertainty, the waiting, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Through it all, her positivity shines as she reflects on the lessons learned and hope found along the way.

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Today, we speak with Project 1 in 100, an organization dedicated to uniting the entire CHD community in all its forms to advocate for awareness and meaningful change. While each founding member brings their own unique story and passion to the mission, they share one common goal — to be a voice for everyone impacted by CHD, no matter the diagnosis.

Beyond raising awareness, inclusivity is at the heart of everything they do. Join us as we hear their vision, their purpose, and how they plan to make a lasting difference in the CHD community.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

In today’s episode, Pam shares her deeply personal journey of longing to become a mother—and how that dream came true through the adoption of her son, Joshua, from Guatemala. As a first-time mom, Pam leans into her intuition when an unexpected situation arises, trusting that something isn’t quite right. That instinct leads to the discovery that Joshua has congenital heart disease, setting them on a life-changing journey they now walk together.  Reminding each other that "Just because you lose your queen is gone, doesn't mean the game is over."

You can follow more of Pam and Joshua’s story beyond the podcast through her website and by reading her book, The Boy with the Backward Heart.

https://pamelasampson.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Backward-Heart-Adoption-Medical-ebook/dp/B0FVQBK5JN

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Today, we’re joined by Meagan’s husband, Billy; Amy’s husband, Bryan; and Steven and Janice. We wanted to create space for an honest conversation with spouses to explore what it’s like to love and build a life with someone who has congenital heart disease as an adult.

From choosing a partner with CHD to navigating emotions, concerns, and hopes for the future, our guests share their perspectives openly and thoughtfully. In this episode, we dive into the realities, the worries, and the deep connections that come with these relationships—and how you might relate to the experiences shared.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

In today’s episode, we debunk a common myth about congenital heart disease. While many people are aware of CHD, it’s important to be clear: not all CHDs are the same.

Too often, we find ourselves comparing our journeys to those of others, without taking the time to recognize that every person living with CHD has their own story, their own diagnosis, and their own unique challenges. In this candid conversation, we open up about how we, too, have contributed to the persistence of this myth through comparison.

With over 40 different types of CHD in existence, each journey looks different and impacts lives at different stages. What unites us is not identical experiences, but a shared need for understanding, education, and awareness within the CHD community.

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

Welcome to Candid Hearts: Conversations in CHD.
We’re Meagan and Amy, and we’re so glad you’re here.

This podcast is a space for real, honest conversations about congenital heart disease. We’ll be sharing stories not only from our own journeys, but also from other CHD patients and families who know this life firsthand. Together, we’ll talk about all aspects of CHD—the good, the hard, and everything in between.

We’ll also bring you a special segment called The Murmur Mill, where we debunk common myths and rumors surrounding CHD and shed light on what’s fact versus fiction.

Our hope is to create meaningful content that helps all of us learn, grow, and feel less alone as we navigate life with CHD—together.

Thank you for joining us. ❤️

If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com

Find our journey’s on Facebook:

My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham

My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

After two years of recording solo, I’ve made the decision for Diaries of a Heart Warrior to change and evolve. This choice tugged at my heartstrings in a very personal way, but deep down I knew that bringing in a co-host would allow us to create the kind of meaningful, impactful content we need.

A HUGE thank you to every listener and guest who shared this journey with me over two wonderful years of Diaries of a Heart Warrior. Your stories, support, and trust have meant more than I can put into words.

Here’s to many more conversations as we transition into Candid Hearts: Conversations in CHD, now with my co-host, Meagan Houpt!

Thank you all for growing with us.

Much love,
 Amy

Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families.

After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission is clear: to empower families, support children’s development, and help them truly thrive.

Be sure to visit Dr. Ilardi’s website to explore the incredible work she is doing and the meaningful change she continues to bring to the community.

https://pedneurocenter.com/