Candid Hearts: Conversations and CHD

The Beginning of Adult Heart Camp- with Amy Erhart Cunningham and Meagan Houpt

In this special episode, Amy and Meagan reflect on an unforgettable milestone—the very first Adult Heart Camp. Seventeen adults living with congenital heart disease traveled from multiple states to gather for a weekend built on something many of us have searched for our entire lives: connection. While heart camps have long existed for children with CHD, this weekend was created specifically for adults—a place where no one had to explain their scars, their medical history, or what it's like to live with a lifelong heart condition. Throughout the weekend, strangers became friends as stories were shared, laughter filled the campgrounds, and a community was formed through a shared understanding that only another CHDers can truly provide. Join us as we look back on the memories, the lessons, and the incredible impact of creating a space where adults with CHD could simply belong. This episode celebrates the power of community and reminds us that heart camp doesn't have to end in childhood—it can become something just as meaningful in adulthood. Until we meet again at Adult Heart Camp 2027, Amy Erhart Cunningham Founder/Host Please email amyc9235@gmail.com for more information about Heart Camp 2027 If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

The Murmur Mill: CHD Patients Can’t Have ‘Normal’ Lives

In today’s Murmur Mill, we talk about the idea of living “normal” lives. While we’re fully aware that we have heart defects, we also know they don’t define who we are. The belief that people with CHD can’t live full, fulfilling lives is just that—a misconception. Many of us are thriving and living abundant lives. That doesn’t mean we don’t need support from time to time, but we’re not nearly as fragile as some people assume. Join us as we walk through this concept.   If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Finding Confidence Through Sport with Elisabeth Baril

On today’s episode, we talk with Lizzie about her inspiring journey. Lizzie was born with a congenital heart defect and 22q11 deletion syndrome, which has shaped many aspects of her life beyond just her heart condition. She shares her experience navigating the Canadian healthcare system and how it has supported her throughout her life. Lizzie also tells us how she found her way to the Special Olympics, explains the program, and reflects on the opportunities it has brought her along the way.  If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Icing Smiles: Creating Joy, One Cake at a Time

Let’s talk about cake! Not just any cake, but cakes that bring smiles to some truly incredible people. Icing Smiles is an organization that connects volunteer bakers from across the country to create special cakes for children with chronic illnesses, their siblings, and families honoring a child who has passed. Join us as Chelsea shares her story and gives us a closer look at the heart behind Icing Smiles and the joy it brings to so many families.   https://www.icingsmiles.org [https://www.icingsmiles.org/] https://www.instagram.com/icingsmiles/ [https://www.instagram.com/icingsmiles/] https://www.tiktok.com/tag/icingsmiles [https://www.tiktok.com/tag/icingsmiles]  If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt

Living Both Sides of CHD with Mia Johnson

Today, Mia joins us to share her incredibly unique story. Born with a congenital heart defect of her own, Mia has lived a healthy and vibrant life. When she and her husband decided to grow their family, she knew there were potential risks after  conversations with her medical team. At her 21-week fetal ultrasound, they learned that her son would also be born with a congenital heart defect. In this episode, Mia vulnerably walks us through her pregnancy journey — the emotions, the unknowns, and the strength it took to move forward with courage. She shares how she advocated for specialized care, made critical decisions for both herself and her baby, and prepared for a birth that would require a carefully coordinated medical team. Join us as we talk about generational CHD, maternal intuition, advocacy, and the powerful resilience of a heart mom who has lived both sides of the story — as a patient and now as a parent. If you or someone you know would like to be part of the podcast you can message both Meagan and Amy at:  candidhearts25@gmail,com Find our journey’s on Facebook: My HLHS Diary- Amy Erhart Cunningham My HLHS Story- Meagan Houpt