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What happens when you've spent your whole life thinking your heart condition was "fixed," only to discover it's actually a lifelong journey? Elle Pendrick shares this profound revelation that came after her fourth open-heart surgery, forever changing how she understood her congenital heart disease.

Born in 1983 with complex CHD in rural Australia, Elle's early years were defined by long journeys to Sydney for medical care. Growing up as the only person with a serious cardiac condition in her small town of Wagga Wagga created an isolating experience—one that shaped her understanding of her own health. The shocking realization at age 21 that her heart disease was not cured but rather a lifelong companion became a turning point in her identity and purpose.

Elle takes us through her remarkable transition from viewing CHD as something to hide to embracing it as part of her story. Her evolution into advocacy work led her to help develop Australia's groundbreaking Standards of Care for Childhood Onset Heart Disease, which includes world-first mental health and neurodevelopmental standards. This unified approach shows how Australia's tight-knit CHD community has created comprehensive care models that focus on whole-person wellness rather than just cardiac function.

The conversation explores fascinating comparisons between Australian and American healthcare systems, drawing from Elle's recent visit to the United States. Her insights reveal how different funding models, advocacy approaches, and support organizations shape patient experiences despite serving the same medical needs. Elle's perspective offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in healthcare policy and patient advocacy.

Most powerfully, Elle describes transforming her medical journey into resources for others. Her book "Your Ultimate Surgery Success Guide" and her platform "Adulting Well" address practical challenges faced by those with chronic conditions—from workplace conversations and financial planning to mental health support. By sharing her expertise on navigating healthcare systems, Elle demonstrates how lived experience becomes a powerful tool for helping others.

Join us for this inspirational conversation about resilience, advocacy, and finding purpose through personal challenge. If you're facing a chronic health condition or supporting someone who is, Elle's wisdom offers both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement.

Global ARCH’s leadership training opportunity:

https://global-arch.org/advocacy-training/

Elle’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCV2TCQZ

Elle’s Website: https://www.adultingwell.au/

Elle’s Blog: https://www.adultingwell.au/Blog

Elle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adultingwell/

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Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link

Baby Blue Sound Collective

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A broken wrist serves as an unexpected metaphor for the heart warrior's journey in this illuminating conversation with fundraiser and podcaster Amy Earhart. When Anna's recent accident left her with a titanium plate and a new perspective on recovery, it highlighted the resilience that characterizes the CHD community—adapting when our bodies say "enough" and finding creative ways forward.

Amy Erhart brings this resilience to life through her remarkable story. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 1983, she's channeled her experience into creating meaningful change. Her "Putt Around Kalida" fundraiser transforms her small hometown into a mini-golf adventure where local businesses design elaborate putting greens—from a smoking firehouse to a church model that's been preserved for generations. What makes this event special goes beyond the $20,000 raised; it's the photos of local CHD children displayed at the town park, creating powerful moments of recognition for families still processing their diagnosis.

The conversation shifts to Amy's podcast journey with "Diaries of a Heart Warrior," where she's published over 30 episodes—far surpassing the six-episode mark where most podcasters abandon their shows. Through these conversations, Amy found the connection she'd been missing: "I didn't know a lot of people with CHD until these last couple years. This is how I'm finally meeting people." These exchanges have brought validation that she's not alone in her complex feelings about life with a congenital heart defect.

Perhaps most meaningful is Amy's approach to fundraising, focusing on direct support for families rather than solely research: heart camps for children, gas money for hospital trips, hotel accommodations during treatments. It's a philosophy born from understanding that while research is crucial, the day-to-day needs of families navigating CHD require immediate attention.

Have you experienced the power of community support during health challenges? Listen now and discover how small towns and big hearts are creating meaningful change for CHD families everywhere.

Amy Erhart's podcast, "Diaries of a Heart Warrior": https://www.buzzsprout.com/2268461

Anna's CHD Connects Hearts link: https://chdconnectshearts.com/products-list?am_id=annajaworski3819

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Baby Blue Sound Collective

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In dieser speziellen deutschsprachigen Episode von 'Herz zu Herz mit Anna' spricht Jodi Alderfel mit Marina Lohri, die mit Trikuspidalatresie, ASD und VSD geboren wurde und eine modifizierte Fontan-Operation überlebte. Marina teilt ihre lebenslange Reise, von ihrer Herzoperation als Baby bis hin zu ihrer Karriere bei atHeart Medical, einem Unternehmen, das Geräte zur Behandlung von ASD entwickelt. Die Episode erörtert auch Marinas Erfahrungen mit Vorhofflimmern und einer Ablation im Jahr 2018. Marinas persönliche und berufliche Erfahrungen bieten wertvolle Einblicke für andere Patienten mit angeborenen Herzfehlern und zeigen, wie sie durch Mut und Entschlossenheit ein sinnvolles Leben führt.

(Besonderer Dank geht an Jodi Alderfel, die uns in dieser Folge als Gastmoderatorin zur Seite stand.)

In this special German-language episode of 'Heart to Heart with Anna,' Jodi Alderfel speaks with Marina Lohri, who was born with tricuspid atresia, ASD, and VSD and survived a modified Fontan procedure. Marina shares her lifelong journey, from her heart surgery as a baby to her career at atHeart Medical, a company developing devices to treat ASD. The episode also discusses Marina's experience with atrial fibrillation and an ablation in 2018. Marina's personal and professional experiences offer valuable insights for other patients with congenital heart disease and show how she leads a meaningful life through courage and determination.

Here is a link to Marina's episode in English with Anna: https://tinyurl.com/Marina-Lohri

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Anna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link

Baby Blue Sound Collective

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