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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 truth of those early days—the quiet car ride home after receiving concerning news at her 41-week ultrasound, being flown from Winnipeg to Edmonton for emergency treatment just days after Emberly's birth, and the month spent in a hotel across from the children's hospital. Her story captures both the inherent isolation of receiving a CHD diagnosis and the profound community support that emerged to sustain them.

The name "Embers of Love" came from a touching observation made during Emberly's hospital stay—that this tiny baby somehow "spreads embers of love to everyone she meets." What began with handmade keychains and candles has blossomed into a significant advocacy organization that's participated in over 35 initiatives since 2023. From donating sound machines to the NICU to organizing craft kits for Heart Camp campers, Haley shows how personal experience can transform into meaningful community action.

Most moving is Haley's reflection on how Amberlee has become "the flame to our family fire," completely shifting their perspective on what matters in life. Her story reminds us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can find purpose, create lasting change, and spread those precious embers of love to others walking similar paths.

Ready to get involved in supporting the CHD community? Visit www.heartsunitetheglobe.com to learn how you can join our volunteer team and make a difference in the lives of heart warriors and their families.

Links:

Embers of Love: https://www.embersoflove.ca/

World’s smallest pacemaker story: https://tinyurl.com/TinyPmaker

Fascinating article about the history of the Taussig-Bing Anomaly. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2801930/

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