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© 2025 Diaries of a Heart Warrior
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I'm Amy Erhart, the host of Diaries of a Heart Warrior; born with a Congenital Heart Defect (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome-HLHS). I'm creating this podcast to bring you stories told by individuals living with a Congenital Heart Defect. Episodes will also include the parent(s) point of view on how it felt to receive the diagnosis of their child; what they wish they knew and what life looks like now. Let's take a journey and explore the lives of Heart Warriors as the stories are told from their perspective.
49 Episodes
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Today I’m joined by Aiden, who shares his powerful CHD and transplant journey. His path toward transplant began when he was just 16, and at 18, he received his new heart. Now, nine years later, Aiden reflects on the reality that while his heart is strong, his body is facing new challenges. Join us as he opens up about his experiences, what he’s learning along the way, and how he continues moving forward. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart ...
Aaron is back! Today, he opens up about his disability journey—what led him to the decision to step away from his job and begin the Social Security process. He shares the barriers he faced along the way and highlights the key things he believes others should consider when navigating this path. After a long road, he finally receives that official stamp of approval. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page: Diaries o...
Today, Bekah opens up about her journey of finding her footing as an adult with CHD. Learning to advocate for ourselves isn’t always easy—it takes time, growth, and confidence. For Bekah, certain life experiences have sparked a stronger drive to speak up for her needs. Now, she’s drawing from those moments and the lessons they’ve taught her to make positive changes in both her health and the way she communicates with her care team. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! ...
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 withi...
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://aangeborenhar...
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 grie...
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!...
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...
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 doin...
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:&...
***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! ...
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 lik...
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...
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! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page: Diaries of a Heart Warri...
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 diagnosis. Since then, he has triumphed over that challenge and is now prioritizing his health w...
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: Diaries of a Heart Warrior Instagram: amyerhart_hlhs
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 like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham ...
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't amazing, we can still have a positive outlook. If you would like to be on the sho...
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 little able being able to partially retire and how he feels about that today. If you w...
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 deteriorate and what it looked like in the months leading up to her transplant. She also ...
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