CHD Real Stories
Hear from parents and survivors of CHD as they share their powerful stories.
CHD Survivor Stories
Naomi James
Ceirra Zeager
Kristal and Ariel
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 AHA’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 
Support That Lifts You Up
The American Heart Association’s Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) forum is an online community that brings together parents of children with CHD and adult survivors of CHD to support each other through their shared experiences. Start connecting today or share this free resource with a CHD family you know.