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Congenital Heart Defects Personal Stories
  • Updated:Feb 15,2013
Blake Galligan and his momBlake Galligan: A Heart Warrior at age 4
By looking at him, you'd never know active 4-year-old, Blake Galligan, has a congenital heart defect. At one day old, Blake was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. His mom shares their story — one of hope and perseverance.


Genetic researcher Deepak SrivastavaDeepak Srivastava: Changing Lives Through Research
Genetic researcher Deepak Srivastava is hoping his major defining moment will come soon.
Find out why.



Gardner Twins Personal Story ThumbnailThe Gardner Twins' Story: Plan for the Future
“We started working with the American Heart Association to help Khamal talk about his disease, and to help people understand it as well,” Read their story.



Ryan Judkins Personal Story ImageRyan's Story: Unexpected Places
Life isn't what this heart survivor thought it would be—it's much better. Read more.



Anthony Jacobsmeyer Personal Story ImageThe Jacobsmeyers Story: What's a Big Brother To Do?
Anthony Jacobsmeyer was five-and-a-half years old when his mom and dad left for Las Vegas with his six-week-old sister to have her open-heart surgery. Read their story.



Albert Carrete Personal Story ImageAlbert Jr.'s Story: When Heart Disease Gets Personal
School rallies to support student who needs a new heart. Read his story.



Sandra Verbeck Personal Story ImageSandra's Story: Her Indomitable Spirit Seems Destined to Triumph
While her life is neither easy nor routine, Verbeck’s positive attitude has allowed her to prevail. "The key is balance," she says. Read more.



Aghighi Personal Story ImageSophia's Story: A Tiny Twin Fights for Her Life
An echocardiogram at birth revealed Sophia had two congenital heart defects. Learn her story.



SamanthMcCain Personal Story ImageSamantha’s Story: Research Saved Her Life
Steve and Pam McCain, were told their baby had one of the most serious congenital heart defects—hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Read their story.



Jackie Ealy Personal Story ImageJuliet's Story: A Mom Tells the Story of Her Toddler's Heart Surgery
Ealy's desire to do what was best for Juliet meant factoring in the opinions of doctors, not just relying on them to give her answers. Read more.



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