To say Melanie’s story is unique would be an understatement. While having one child with CHD is already rare—about 1 in 100 births—Melanie is navigating life with two children living with congenital heart disease. The challenges are real, but she’s meeting them head-on with strength and grace.

For Melanie, the key has been finding balance—giving her oldest the space to live his life with guidance, while encouraging both of her children to make their own choices and discover who they are within the context of CHD. Her priority has always been to raise confident, self-aware kids who feel empowered to take ownership of their journeys.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today, Thirza shares her powerful story of living with CHD. Despite the challenges she’s faced, it’s clear she’s thriving. I especially love how she reflects on the impact of being part of a CHD group in her younger years—how those connections turned into lasting relationships. Inspired by that experience, she’s now continuing the mission for adults. Tune in to hear her incredible journey.

Below is her Website and Facebook page for her adult group.  Go check it out!

https://aangeborenhartafwijking.nl/hartcor/

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BTqvUTUA1/

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Katherine was born in 1982, and from the very beginning, her parents were filled with hope for her future. She underwent her first surgery within months of birth and received the Fontan procedure at age nine. From that point through much of her adult life, her health remained stable. However, in her 30s, she began experiencing arrhythmias—an unexpected turn that significantly altered the course of her life. Join me as Katherine opens up about her journey, sharing the emotional impact and grieving process that has come with navigating these changes in her adult years.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

Today, Tessa shares her journey through pregnancy, life as a military spouse, and the transition of care in managing her CHD. She reflects on her experiences with four pregnancies, navigating the challenges of frequent relocations as part of a military family. Additionally, she opens up about her transition from pediatric to adult cardiology, emphasizing the importance of understanding your CHD early to prepare for independent adulthood.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

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 signs. Unfortunately, this dismissal ultimately led to a stroke, forever changing her life and outlook on advocating for herself and other.

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

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 shared our personal experiences and discussed how we feel about the innovative work Heartworks is doing for the CHD community.

Check out all the links!

https://heartworksinc.org/

https://heartworksinc.org/clinical-trials

Find Kelly @ https://www.facebook.com/kelly.meyers.18

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

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 a reason for us to live. 

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

***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 feels about life today. 

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

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 take care of herself so she is able to do that in years to come.  

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs

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 the process of transplant and need someone to reach out to, Laura is more than happy to talk with others about her experience and be a mentor for the community.  She can be reached at:  [email protected]

If you would like to be on the show please reach out! 
Facebook:  Amy Erhart Cunningham

Facebook Page:  Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Instagram:  amyerhart_hlhs