Get Involved
Valentine 2008
For Valentine’s Day 2008, ACHA asked its
members to write valentines messages to
children with congenital heart disease. We
received over 70 cards to deliver to children
with CHD and their parents at three U.S.
Children’s Hospitals: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Penn State Children’s Hospital; and The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, CO. The project originally was planned to create the same local opportunities in Philadelphia—home of ACHA’s national office—that our Local Groups provide across the country through their partnerships with congenital heart centers. We were happy to be able to expand the project when we realized just how much help we could get to spread these stories of survival. The messages are below—please pass word of this site along to continue to spread these hopeful thoughts. Our deepest thanks to participating members and the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff members who helped coordinate the project!
Thirty-four years ago today, I had my first
heart cath and decided at that very moment
I would work to help others like us. Last
year I had open heart surgery. Now I’m a
therapist and educator and ask you to
remember your deepest positive wish . . .
and then make it come true! I believe in you!
Happy Valentines Day
Allison Teger, 41yrs old
I am a 21-year-old college student who will be graduating from nursing school in May 2008. I was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia when I was just two weeks old and nobody expected me to make it, but I did. You are not alone in your fight, there are many of us survivors praying and pulling for you. Don’t give up!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Amber, Nacogdoches, TX
I was in CHOP in 1970 for surgery on my heart. At night, I hear it go swooosh, thump J Wishing YOU a happy day and a healthy heart.
Happy St. Valentine's Day!
Angela ©
Don’t let people tell you can’t reach for your dreams!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Anthony Pugs
Happy happy Valentine’s Day, and remember your heart is strong in the broken places!
Beth from Maine
HI, I’m Beth, and I was born with an ASD and Pulmonary Stenosis. I had surgery when I was 10 years old. It has been 30 years since my repair and I’m married with 2 heart healthy children. My heart has never stopped me from living life to the fullest! Take care, and have a wonderful life!
Beth Simmons
“When you’re broken and you can’t hold on anymore every tear drop falls down for a reason, don’t you stop believing in yourself . . .” Broken Hearts can be mended just believe in yourself. You can make it through. Just watch.
With all my love: Briana Deaver
Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are doing well today. My name is Cal. I am 47. Born with dextra cardia with complete situs inversus, my ASD (a 25¢ size hole) was repaired in 1966. I followed my “space-man” dream by serving 22 yrs in the US Air Force launching rockets and operating satellites—tons-o-fun! As Lance Armstrong says, “Live Strong,” because your dreams can come true too!
Calvin Hagan, b. 1960
ASD, Dextra-Cardia
Situs Inversus Totalis, TIA Strokes
Sr. Satellite Sys. Engineer
“Still going strong!”
Hang in there my friend,
and you will enjoy life
more then any person you
meet for years!! You have
a team of family, friends,
and ACHA members pulling
for you!! Happy Heart Day!
The Daredevil Queen
Cindy—A fellow CHD
friend at age 40!
Here is a heartfelt wish
that you will find joy in who
you are, and your heart will lead you to your dreams! Hang on to hope, and push through the pain—you are loved!
Cindy WJ: A hiker, rider, biker, & healthy 48-year-old with TOF.
One day, this day will seem sooooo long ago. But today you must dream of all that is possible, all that you dare to strive for . . . because we know more than most our age that we truly have one life to live . . . Dream and Make it Happen!
Crystal, graduate student
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!! Hi my name is Debbie, and I just had my 2nd surgery 13 days ago. I feel good and I hope your doing well also. I just got a new pulmonary valve replacement. My first surgery was 45 years ago and I’ve been very healthy my whole life, now with my new valve, I’ll be great!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I had surgery when I was 4 years old to repair tetralogy of Fallot. Once I recovered from the surgery I was just like any other kid. I had restrictions, but nothing that stopped me from having a normal life, a lot of fun, and lots of laughter. Remember to laugh because it will help get you through anything.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass—it's about learning to dance in the rain.
Happy Valentines Day!
Valentines Day in my family was always about showing people that you loved them. I wanted to send you a valentine to tell you that I care about you and that you are not at all the only one with Congenital Heart problems. In fact, there’s a whole organization dedicated to helping us live happy, healthy adult lives—the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA). I’m sure you have a great story about your heart—I do too! I was born with Pulmonary Atresia and a VSD. I had 4 heart surgeries when I was younger. I’m 26 now—I graduated from college a few years ago. I see an Adult Congenital Heart cardiologist every year to make sure my heart is still working fine and to treat it if it’s not. I’ve walked a 10K (6.2 mile road race) in Boulder, Colorado (where I grew up) off and on since I was 10 years old. I know that keeping my heart in the best shape it can be in will help me get through future surgeries as an adult . . . not to mention that it’s fun! Please know that you’re not alone with your congenital heart problems and that there are many other people like you! (Actually, there are an estimated 1.8 million people in the U.S.!)
Sincerely, Eliza
Denver, CO
P.S. I’m eliza_vf on the ACHA Message Board. The Message Board is a great place to find answers to questions and find other people with CHD as you get older. Please send me a message there if you ever check it out!
Live today as you will live tomorrow. I am 27
years old and have congenital heart problems; I
have learned to live today as it is tomorrow.
Just know that you can make it through
whatever you put your mind too.
Erin Ferdon
I had heart surgery when I was 6 yrs old, I am now 55 yrs. (Old Huh?) I had a tetralogy of Fallot repair. I have done very well. I have two sons and five grandchildren. I work as a nurse and I have been very blessed and healthy. One day I may need a valve replaced but not yet. Have a good Heart Day. -Evelyn
Happy Valentine’s Day
Evelyn & Bill Eubank, Modesto, CA
My sister was born with a heart condition and had her surgery at CHOP back in 1973 when she was only 6 months old! She just celebrated her 35th birthday and is lives a very happy and healthy life! My prayers are that you will feel God's arms around you and realize that there are many people that love you. You are precious. Have a very happy Valentine’s Day . . . and eat lots of candy!
The Heidenrich Family, San Antonio, TX
You may not be able to do everything, but you can always find something to do that can make you happy. I wish you good health.
Happy Hearts to YOU!
Survivor Janine
My scars and mended heart have been with me as I travel the world, obtained college degrees, and achieve my goals. Know that you are a special angel! This Valentine’s day I send you much faith for a full life of happiness, a heart full of love and arms full of hugs.
Love, Jaimie, 28 yrs old
I had my first repair at 5 and my second at 8. I grew up to have a 3rd at 20. Now I’m 36 years old and have a wonderful life and great health as long as I take care of myself.
You do have a future with your extra special heart!!
Jennifer K., 04-07-1971
Tetralogy of Fallot
Pulmonary Stenosis
Happy Heart Day from one mended heart to another! When I was born, I wasn’t expected to make it, but now I’m a 42-yr-old wife & mom. Remember, you are a survivor! All the best to you!
Love, Jenny
You are VERY special! You are so strong!
You are loved!
You are prayed for!
You are brave!
Johnna, 23, tetralogy of Fallot
Happy Heart Day!!
Love, Kara
Tetralogy of Fallot, 1984
I have had 4 surgeries and am a
college grad, a teacher, working
on a master’s degree, and happily
married.
Life is good!!!
Kathy J Ware, 33, tricuspid
atresia, pulmonary stenosis
ALL hearts are made to love—especially ours!!
Happy Valentine's Day from my heart to yours!
Love, Katie
At 19 years old I entered CHOP to have angioplasty and a stent. The procedure was a great success and I learned that children’s hospitals have better toys, stickers, and ice-cream! So take advantage of the excellent care!
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Never be afraid to ask for what you need.
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Remember to be grateful for all the good things in your life.
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Take each day as it comes
Without CHD you’d just be “normal.”
Katie from Central PA—30 year old ToF patient and currently 6 months pregnant with a heart healthy baby
Happy Valentine’s Day from an adult who was born with a heart defect called Eisenmenger’s Complex. I’m proof that heart problems don’t have to stop you from falling in love, getting married, having a career, and becoming middle-aged! :)
All my best to you and your family,
Kelly Johnson, age 49
Pasadena, California
My son is a 6-year-old with HLHS. He had his Fontan operation 2 years ago, and runs, jumps, and laughs like any other kid! Keep faith, keep hope, and know that life waits just around the corner for you!
Kevin McGee, Daddy to Brendan
Faith and hope have had a calming affect on my family. We had a small part to make Valentine’s Day a Heart Awareness Day for you and others. May God bless you and your family.
Kim Eisenstein
Never give up when you are not feeling well—you matter a lot!
Kris Cushing
Think of Valentine’s Day as a day made just for you . . . a day that is focused on hearts and love. How many people can say that there is a holiday made just for them?
Happy Heart Day, Lauren R.
You are very special! This will make you stronger in life, faith, and in all that you do!
A 41-year-old survivor, Lucia
I had Open Heart Surgery when I was four. I am now a very healthy 41-year-old who ran the Disney Marathon last year! Be well, be happy, and your dreams will come true!
Happy Valentine's Day!
With all my heart,
Maryellen Grebin, Longwood, FL
I am 25 year old living with Congenital
Heart Disease. By living I mean, dancing,
going to the gym, graduating college,
falling
in love, and enjoying every day. At a
younger age, I never knew what to expect
but I came to realize no one does, even
those who are healthy. You live day to
day and enjoy and be thankful for those
days.
Melissa Collett
My daughter was diagnosed with 3 CHD’s a few hours after birth. As a new parent, I understand the pain you are feeling as you watch your baby fight. I just wanted to offer you this hope . . . my daughter is now 2½ and the strongest & happiest little girl you will ever meet. You would absolutely never know she had OHS at 9 days and she is a healthy as you can imagine. Your little one will be just as strong. © Hugs to you and your baby from another heart family.
Happy “HEARTS” Day!
Hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day
-A Devoted ACHA Professional Member
Reach with you heart because you are uniquely and beautifully made. Embrace your challenges and struggles as they will make you spiritually stronger. Love because life is worth living.
ACHA member still going at 47
Happy Valentine’s Day. I recently had a successful surgery for an ASD closure and am feeling better than ever.
Sending you healing and prayers,
Meredith, St. Louis, MO
". . . No it won't always go the way it should, but I know the heart of life is good."
The Heart of Life -John Mayer
Michael, 06-02-1967
Hi Friend,
Happy Valentines Day! My name is Nancy. I am 46 years old. I was born with Tricuspid Atresia and had a tricuspid valve conduit put in when I was 15. I had it replaced when I was 40. I have 3 adopted children and a wonderful husband.
The most important thing about your heart is whether it is full of love.
Grow up to be a loving person and your heart will be just fine.
Your friend, Nancy
A shared story from the heart . . .
I am Rebecca Libby-Hier. I am a
daughter ~ a grand daughter ~ an aunt ~
a wife ~ a mother ~ a friend ~ an artist ~
a teacher ~ a survivor ~~ I am many
things ~~ I am also who I choose to be.
NEVER stop dreaming! & NEVER say
you can't!
Things may seem far from easy at this moment but before long this will be your past.
It is our past that makes us strong for our future.
I am now 40 years old. Sure, I still have "quirks" but doesn't everyone?
Always take time to ~ Live~Love~Laugh~.
Stay strong,
Rebecca Libby~Hier
I have had open-heart surgery to fix my heart. I know how scary it can be to have something wrong with your heart. Always remember fear is of the unknown. I hope you feel better soon!
Best Wishes,
Shelley Stanek
Happy Valentine's Day! I think you can do anything you set your heart on. I was born with a hole in my heart and had 4 surgeries, but I married, graduated from college, had 3 kids and am a teacher! May all your dreams come true! Get well soon!
Love, Susan
(age 51)
The little things matter the most and true friends love you just the way you are.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Susan D'Amico
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Remember YOU Have a SPECIAL HEART. When it may seem to be the darkest, there is always a light shining, casting its shadow on you.
Be My Valentine
Toni Johnson, RN
Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago
“We are the heroes of our own story.”
Thanks for being one of our big heart heroes!
Love and thoughts from your friends in Florida.
Congenital Heart Center
University of Florida
"When God shuts a doof, he opens a window." I find this is true for those of us that were born with congenital heart disease. We are special and are here for a reason. Make each day count and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Vicky
As a child my heart guided me through races with the boys in town, swimming countless of hours in the pool. Then on to Junior High basketball, High School Tennis, and countless of hours of singing and dancing. Now, as an adult it provides me with the room to love and grace to heal. YOUR heart is just as strong as mine. So look forward to your smiles. I’m sending you and your heart LOVE and GRACE this Valentines Day.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love, Wyn, Monson, MA
1973 TGA Cincinnati, OH
It’s been over 40 years since doctors at Children’s Hospital in Boston operated on my heart. Everything is possible—-never give up.
Ann Dean, 09-09-1953
You may not know me, but Valentine's Day is a very special holiday for people like you and me with very special hearts! It reminds us booth how lucky we are to be so unique.
With all my love, Aliza
Even if the heart in you that pumps blood sometimes doesn't work so well, your heart for love, caring, and sharing is as strong as can be! Reach for what you truly care about, and you will do more than you ever believed possible. I reached, and it stretched byond my dreams.
From Lynne: Now a wife, mom of two, college professor, weight lifter, and all around happy person.
"Hope is a waking dream." -Aristotle
With love from Adrienne in Toronto, Canada
