Enjoying Sports While Living with Congenital Heart Defects

How does having obstacles to playing sports affect a boy’s feelings of self-worth when growing up? In what ways can a young man feed his desire for sports and athletics, even if his body isn’t able to do what his mind wishes he could do? How can an adult Heart Warrior enjoy a passion for sports when he only has half a heart?

Michael Hills was born in February of 1998 in Ontario, Canada. He was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome when he was five and a half months old. He has had three surgeries: a Norwood at nearly six months, a Glenn at nine months, and a Fontan at two years and four months of age. Ever since the last surgery, he has enjoyed good health. Michael has a passion for sports and played on several sports teams during his school days. Since leaving school, he has studied sports management and sport and event marketing and currently works for a variety of sports clubs and teams. He also enjoys traveling to different countries. Michael wants to share his story about how sports allowed him to live a life with joy and a sense of normalcy, and to show a healthy, active life with complex CHD is possible. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

Links Michael sent me to better understand curling

Joanne Courtney Explains Curling Shoe Grippers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igG5WyPvyDo

Super Sweeper Joanne Courtney critiques sweeping technique

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iZbrteHx1o

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