Kelly DiMaggio on Mental Health, Exercise and Finding Your Soulmate

The rebel stage, anxiety, being comfortable with your cardiologist and the importance of finding your crew. Adult HLHSer, Meagan Houpt and I talk about these ups and downs + many more topics. Meagan is an honest and real role model in the CHD community. Connect with her and her crew on Faceboook/My HLHS Story-Meagan Houpt and Instagram/MeaganHoupt-HLHS. Text ‘Cause2Cure’ to 833.222.0186 to receive updates from the HLHS Consortium and C2C Podcast.

My conversation with Daniel is filled with adventure and inspiration. Daniel describes his 550-mile walk through Spain and living in another country with HLHS. We end today's episode with practical and powerful questions about genetics, research, and the future for adults with HLHS. Share Daniel’s incredible story on social media Learn more about our research at hlhsconsortium.org  Text 833.222.0186 for research and podcast updates 

Kelly is an adult with half a heart, living life to the fullest. On today's episode, Kelly shares her thoughts on the power of exercise, how adults with HLHS have pushed the comfort level of many physicians and what changes she wants to see in the CHD community. Kelly has not only cultivated these insights from her personal experiences with HLHS, but from her husband who recently learned that he also has CHD.  Visit https://www.lovinglately.com/ to read Kelly's blog. Visit https://www.hlhsconsortium.org/ to learn more about the HLHS Consortium. 

On today’s episode, I have a very authentic and transparent conversation with Jessica Lindberg. Jessica is an entrepreneur, a heart advocate, a writer/speaker and a proud mother of four boys. Her empowering message will leave you feeling HEART STRONG. To learn more about the Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation  visit https://www.ethanlindberg.com/ To learn more about the HLHS Consortium visit https://www.hlhsconsortium.org/

NFL tight end, Greg Olsen and his family have found their role in the CHD community. Today, we talk about the Olsen family’s heart journey, what Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation has accomplished in Charlotte, NC and our collective mission to amplify local efforts and converge those efforts into a national platform for congenital heart disease. Receptions for Research is an official member of the HLHS Consortium. The HLHS Consortium aims to accelerate the transformation of research and development into cell-based therapies that can benefit the lives of people living with CHD. Visit https://www.hlhsconsortium.org/ to learn more about our clinical trials. Visit https://receptionsforresearch.org/ to learn more about the Olsen family’s mission and purchase an awesome “Halve a Heart” T-shirt.

I had so much fun recording today's episode with Bella and Erin.  After the first couple minutes, you will understand why! Erin and I talk about how Bella has inspired the Borkowski family and their community. We are grateful to be connected with local platforms, like Beats for Bella, that truly drive change in the heart world.  Visit https://beatsforbella.org/ to learn more about the family's organization. 

On today’s episode, Meg (Roswick) Didier and I discuss the next set of milestones that Meg has tackled and is currently encountering: a career, marriage and starting a family. Meg also asks me a very important question: what is the HLHS Program doing for her and other adults with HLHS? Follow Meg on Facebook at Meghan Roswick-HLHS to learn more about her journey. Text Cause2Cure to 833-222-0186 for more updates from the HLHS Program.

Meg (Roswick) Didier has become a role model to many in the heart world. In this two part series, Meg and I will discuss what it was like to be one of the first HLHSers to tackle many of life’s milestones. Today, we cover her diagnosis, growing up post-Fontan and entering college. Follow Meg on Facebook at Meghan Roswick-HLHS for more details.

Today I have the privilege of hosting a very important guest, Gabrielle Wanek. Gabrielle is not only the inspiration for the Wanek Family Program for HLHS, but an inspiration for all young adults and families affected by CHD. Her stories and advice will empower you to trust and encourage your heart warrior as they become thriving adults. 

Today’s short episode covers the big and bold things happening at the HLHS Program thanks to Todd and Karen Wanek’s strategic investments and our cross functional, purpose-built team. This team has an intense focus on the needs of the patients, continuous improvement and product development. Text Cause2cure to 833-222-0186 to receive updates from the HLHS Program. Thanks, Gene Lunger for the great interview!