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Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Amy
54 episodes
1 week ago
Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families. After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission...
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Health & Fitness
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All content for Diaries of a Heart Warrior is the property of Amy and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families. After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission...
Show more...
Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/54)
Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Dr. Dawn Ilardi- Neuropsychologist
Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families. After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission...
Show more...
1 week ago
1 hour

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Amanda Braun's Story- Tricuspid Atresia
Today I’m joined by Amanda as she shares her CHD journey. While childhood brought relatively few issues, things changed in her teenage years, leading to surgery and ongoing complications into adulthood. Through it all, Amanda’s positivity and outlook on life shine. In this episode, she opens up about her challenges, her resilience, and her hopes for the future—reminding us that CHD doesn’t have to hold us back. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy ...
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3 weeks ago
34 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
From Pediatric to Adult Care: Lessons We Wish We Knew
Today I’m joined by Jul, Aaron, and Scott for a conversation about transitioning from pediatric to adult care. When you’re born with CHD, so much happens before you’re even old enough to understand it. In this episode, we share the things we wish we had known during that transition—offering insight, lessons, and hope to help others navigate their own path into adult care. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page: D...
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1 month ago
51 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Sharing the Mic: My Conversation with Patrick Mason
Today I’m joined by Patrick Mason for a special episode. Since we both host podcasts, we thought it would be fun to do a dual interview and share our stories together. Patrick opens up about his own journey—what led him into podcasting, his experience as a dad to a child with HLHS, and the hopes he carries for the future. https://micahmasonfoundation.org/ https://micahmasonfoundation.org/sharingthehope/sharing-the-hope/ If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook:&nbs...
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1 month ago
1 hour 5 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
The Struggle and the Strength: CHD and Staying Active
Growing up with CHD, there was no manual on what we could or couldn’t do—it was often trial by fire. Our parents did the best they could with the information they had, but as we step into adulthood, it’s on us to figure out how to start—or keep up—an active lifestyle. For some, that comes naturally; for others, it’s a lifelong struggle. What we all share, though, is an understanding of how important movement is for our health and well-being. Join us today as we talk openly about our health jo...
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2 months ago
55 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Aiden Renda's Story- From CHD to Heart Transplant
Today I’m joined by Aiden, who shares his powerful CHD and transplant journey. His path toward transplant began when he was just 16, and at 18, he received his new heart. Now, nine years later, Aiden reflects on the reality that while his heart is strong, his body is facing new challenges. Join us as he opens up about his experiences, what he’s learning along the way, and how he continues moving forward. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart ...
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2 months ago
51 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Aaron Knutson is back! Talking about his disability journey
Aaron is back! Today, he opens up about his disability journey—what led him to the decision to step away from his job and begin the Social Security process. He shares the barriers he faced along the way and highlights the key things he believes others should consider when navigating this path. After a long road, he finally receives that official stamp of approval. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page: Diaries o...
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3 months ago
28 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Bekah Chovanec's Story- HRHS/ Pulmonary Atresia
Today, Bekah opens up about her journey of finding her footing as an adult with CHD. Learning to advocate for ourselves isn’t always easy—it takes time, growth, and confidence. For Bekah, certain life experiences have sparked a stronger drive to speak up for her needs. Now, she’s drawing from those moments and the lessons they’ve taught her to make positive changes in both her health and the way she communicates with her care team. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! ...
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3 months ago
1 hour 8 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Melanie Letzer's Story- Heart mom of 2 children with CHD
To say Melanie’s story is unique would be an understatement. While having one child with CHD is already rare—about 1 in 100 births—Melanie is navigating life with two children living with congenital heart disease. The challenges are real, but she’s meeting them head-on with strength and grace. For Melanie, the key has been finding balance—giving her oldest the space to live his life with guidance, while encouraging both of her children to make their own choices and discover who they are withi...
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4 months ago
51 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Thirza de Kok's Story- HRHS
Today, Thirza shares her powerful story of living with CHD. Despite the challenges she’s faced, it’s clear she’s thriving. I especially love how she reflects on the impact of being part of a CHD group in her younger years—how those connections turned into lasting relationships. Inspired by that experience, she’s now continuing the mission for adults. Tune in to hear her incredible journey. Below is her Website and Facebook page for her adult group. Go check it out! https://aangeborenhar...
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4 months ago
51 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Katherine Madigan's Story- Tricuspid Atresia
Katherine was born in 1982, and from the very beginning, her parents were filled with hope for her future. She underwent her first surgery within months of birth and received the Fontan procedure at age nine. From that point through much of her adult life, her health remained stable. However, in her 30s, she began experiencing arrhythmias—an unexpected turn that significantly altered the course of her life. Join me as Katherine opens up about her journey, sharing the emotional impact and grie...
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4 months ago
50 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Tessa Go's Story- HRHS/WPW
Today, Tessa shares her journey through pregnancy, life as a military spouse, and the transition of care in managing her CHD. She reflects on her experiences with four pregnancies, navigating the challenges of frequent relocations as part of a military family. Additionally, she opens up about her transition from pediatric to adult cardiology, emphasizing the importance of understanding your CHD early to prepare for independent adulthood. If you would like to be on the show please reach out!...
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5 months ago
49 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Ellie Garrington's Story- Tricuspid Atresia
Ellie was born with CHD, facing numerous challenges along the way. However, the most significant complication she endured was a stroke. Looking back, she recalls the frustrating journey of seeking help for her worsening symptoms—only to be told it was all in her head and that everything was fine. Doubting herself, she trusted the doctors' reassurances and pushed through, ignoring the warning signs. Unfortunately, this dismissal ultimately led to a stroke, forever changing her life and outlook...
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5 months ago
47 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
From Awareness to Action: Join the HeartWorks Movement
Heartworks is a nonprofit organization founded in June202 to build on the groundbreaking work started by Tod and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at Mayo Clinic in 2010. Today, Kelly and I had a great conversation about a clinical trial through Heartworks that involves a skin punch biopsy to create cardiac stem cells using reprogrammed cell technology. We shared our personal experiences and discussed how we feel about the innovative work Heartworks is doin...
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6 months ago
53 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Chantelle Johnson's Story- Tetrology of Fallot
At 55, Chantelle has seen her fair share of changes in the medical field. Being born in the 70's she's been extremely fortunate to have little intervention in her life along that way. However, she now faces the next phase of CHD and the possibility of transplant. She states it wonderfully; even though we are born with CHD, doesn't mean we need to place our life on hold, it's a reason for us to live. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook:&...
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6 months ago
32 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Amber West's Story- Tricuspid Atresia/ VSD
***Mental Illness*** Amber's CHD journey doesn't come without fight. At a young age not only did she struggled with CHD, but mental illness reared its ugly head in her life. She just so happened to get an email and she took charge of her mental health, because she knew it was time. Please join me as she shares her what has helped her push trough the feels of being a burden and how she feels about life today. If you would like to be on the show please reach out! ...
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6 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Annie Ulchak's Story- HLHS
Annie's CHD journey starts in Lima, Peru. Being born with CHD and not having all the necessary resources it was essential she make it to the states to have life saving surgery. After being adopted by a wonderful family, she was able to have the interventions needed to thrive today. Annie has had some health challenges along the way, but at 46 she is living a healthy life and continues to take care of herself so she is able to do that in years to come. If you would lik...
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7 months ago
1 hour 20 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Laura Valentine's Story- CHD/Heart Liver Transplant
Laura's story starts like most of ours. Born with CHD and living most of her life in the CHD world. As an adult, her health deteriorated and she was faced with transplant. Her journey is truly unique. She has so many serendipitous moments throughout her transplant, that she is exactly where she needs to be and continues to thrive 8 months post transplant. If you are finding yourself in the process of transplant and need someone to reach out to, Laura is more than happy...
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7 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Jason Crutchley' Story- CHD/Transplant
Jason's life is full of passion and drive. Growing up with CHD and finding out it was his time to have a transplant, came a a complete surprise, but he evaluated his life and came to terms that this was the best option for him. Join me as he takes us through his CHD/Transplant journey. https://www.facebook.com/jasonstransplantjourney If you would like to be on the show please reach out! Facebook: Amy Erhart Cunningham Facebook Page: Diaries of a Heart Warri...
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8 months ago
1 hour 24 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Neal Darby's Story- HRHS
Neal's story hit me different. We frequently concentrate on the present moment, often overlooking how our youthful experiences and choices can significantly influence our future well-being. He hit on a hard truth: the health-related decisions we make in our younger years can greatly impact our health outcomes later in life. Neal experienced this firsthand when he received an unexpected diagnosis. Since then, he has triumphed over that challenge and is now prioritizing his health w...
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8 months ago
42 minutes

Diaries of a Heart Warrior
Join me for this episode as I sit down with Dr. Ilardi, a neuropsychologist, whose journey into supporting the CHD community began unexpectedly. While she did not originally set out to work with CHD patients, a clinical rotation opened her eyes to a significant gap in care—particularly around neurodevelopmental challenges faced by these children and their families. After years within the healthcare system, Dr. Ilardi recognized that her impact was needed in a different way. Today, her mission...