Heart-to-Heart Support Group
Heart-to-Heart is a support group for parents of children recently diagnosed with heart disease. Hearing this news can sometimes be daunting. The anxiety, new terminology, diagnostic procedures, and financial concerns are a lot for parents to handle. That’s why Heart-to-Heart is here. Through our support group, families of children recently diagnosed with heart disease are introduced to families that have had similar experiences. Our volunteer families visit patients and their families to give them the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and sometimes just lend a shoulder.
Who We Are
The Heart-to-Heart support group extends the arms of care beyond the hospital walls. It is comprised of parents of children diagnosed with heart disease. This diagnosis may be new or not so new. Our older members are happy to assist new group members in any way possible.
What We Do
Heart-to-Heart uses a network of parent volunteers to listen, inform, and support parents of newly-diagnosed children. It reaches out to parents in the following ways: Monthly Support Meetings at Children's Hospital, In-Home Visits, Parent-to-Parent Telephone Support, and an Annual Family Picnic.
Why We Do It
Learning your child has heart disease evokes many levels of anxiety and stress. Diagnosis, treatment, hospital admissions, and the cost of care can be confusing and frightening. The Heart Center staff knows that discussing your fears and becoming a better informed parent can lessen tension and apprehension. Although the staff is always available to help with your concerns, the parents of Heart-to-Heart share a special bond and offer a different kind of support. It is a comfort to know that you are speaking with people who have coped with many of the same issues with which you are currently dealing. The parents of Heart-to-Heart offer support and nurturing through this journey.
Annual Family Picnic
An afternoon of special memories and friendships await Heart-to-Heart members at our Annual Heart Center Family Picnic. The picnic is held the Sunday after Labor Day, on a farm east of Monroeville owned by the Turner Family. Here, children meet other children with heart conditions, while families have the opportunity to meet and talk in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. To sign up for our Annual Family Picnic email Brooke Higgins or call 412-692-5411.
The Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids
The Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids is an opportunity for children with heart disease from across the United
States and Canada to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Camp Kon-O-Kwee, a YMCA camp in Fombell, Pa., near
Zelienople. Campers have the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns related to their disease with their
peers. Physicians, social workers, nurses and other members of the Children's Hospital staff, as well as the
camp director and associate director, supervise activities throughout the four-day weekend.
Learn more..
For additional information about coping with congenital heart disease, click here.
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Updated 12/14/06
