CHD Real Stories
Hear from parents and survivors of CHD as they share their powerful stories.
CHD Survivor Stories
Jamie and Jackson
Kristal and Ariel
Kernika and Savera
Alora, Sloan and Scarlett
Chris Kidwell
Naomi James
Dianne Ruiz
Victoria Rodriguez
Ceirra Zeager
Hunter Appleton
Claudia Norman
Cristina Civetta
CHD Survivor Victoria Rodriguez Video Diaries
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Victoria introduces herself and talks about her pregnancy.
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Victoria talks about the second echocardiogram for her baby.
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Victoria eats a heart heathy breakfast with Isabella!
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Victoria gets a call from the Children’s Hospital to get an echo and consultation done for the baby.
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Victoria spends some time with Isabella by watching Mulan with her!
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Victoria has pregnancy insomnia and eats a late night snack!
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Victoria is 32 weeks pregnant and gives us an update about the consultation that happened at the Children’s Hospital.
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Victoria talks about undergoing a pregnancy nonstress test and gives an update from a recent genetic consultation.
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Victoria shares more details about the results of her genetic consultation and the risk of heart defects in any future children she and her husband may have.
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Victoria shares a pregnancy update and developing her birth plan with her care team.
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Victoria shares an update as she nears the birth of her second daughter and her feelings about an upcoming membrane sweep recommended by her care team.
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Victoria introduces baby Rylee and shares about her birth and gives an update on her heart defect.
CHD and Mental Well-being
The American Heart Association advocates for mental health support for all people with congenital heart defects (CHD). Hear from survivors, parents and a leading researcher on the connection between CHD and mental well-being. This special conversation was hosted by TikTok star and CHD survivor JT Laybourne and part of the Association’s alliance with the Children’s Heart Foundation.
Tools and Resources for CHD Survivors and their Families
NEW! Questions expectant mothers can ask their doctors about CHD at different points in their pregnancies.
In the News
CHD stories about people, science and health
Read more CHD news 
An online community where sharing is our strength.
The Support Network connects you with people who have been there before. From heart disease survivors to those caring for loved ones, they know what you’re going through and are always there, so you don’t go through it alone. From sharing stories to offering support, find your community here.
