CHD in the 1980s: Mum, Dad and Daughter Artwork

Heart to Heart with Anna

Revitalize your spirit and connect with the vibrant congenital heart defect (CHD) community through 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' the pioneering podcast that has been inspiring and informing listeners since 11-12-13. Join us as we dive deep into the personal journeys, triumphs, and challenges of Survivors, their loved ones, esteemed medical professionals, and other remarkable individuals within the CHD community.

With unwavering dedication, our heartfelt conversations bring to light the stories that need to be heard. Gain invaluable insights, expert advice, and a sense of empowerment as we explore the multifaceted world of CHD. Our mission is to uplift, educate, and enrich the lives of every member of this incredible community.

Embark on a transformative listening experience where compassion and understanding thrive. Discover the resilience and unwavering spirit that resides within each person touched by CHD. Together, let's build a community where support and knowledge flourish, bringing hope to the forefront.

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Heart to Heart with Anna

CHD in the 1980s: Mum, Dad and Daughter

October 19, 2021 • Megan Tones, Donna and Ian Leadbeater • Season 16 • Episode 320

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What was it like raising a daughter with a congenital heart defect in Australia in the 1980s? What challenges did parents of a daughter requiring open-heart surgery face? What does an adult Heart Warrior appreciate about her parents now that she's all grown up?

Donna and Ian were born in Brisbane, Australia in the 1950s. They met in the early 1980s and married in 1982. Megan was born in February 1983. All was going well for the new family until Megan became unwell at 6 days old. Megan made her first ambulance trip to the pediatric cardiology unit at Prince Charles Hospital. With her parents by her side, Megan spent the first four months of her life in the hospital where she had a pulmonary banding operation and finally became strong enough to go home. Megan had two more surgeries as a child, at age 5 and 10, and one surgery at age 25. Today, Donna is very active in her local church and the sewing guild, and Ian plays drums in several local bands.

Megan's former "Heart to Heart with Anna" appearances:

"Expressions from the Heart on HeartWire" https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/398986
"One Heart Warrior's Educational Experience Down Under" https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/546571
"Travels of a Heart Warrior" https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/1512628
"When You're Married to a Heart Warrior" https://www.buzzsprout.com/62761/1686034

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