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Caring for a Child with a Heart Condition

The Patient Support Network is there to help

By Carrie Skogsberg May 3, 2017

Discovering your child has a heart defect, or caring for a child who has suffered a stroke can be an overwhelming experience. A new normal that includes frequent medical procedures and doctor visits, medications and lifestyle modifications is something no parent or caregiver should endure alone. That’s why the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association created the online Patient Support Network, a 24/7 resource for patients and caregivers who are living with heart disease and the effects of a stroke. 

There is a space for everyone on the Support Network – there are groups for kids and adults who are recently diagnosed, adults living with congenital heart disease, caregivers, cardiac arrest survivors, those interested in healthy living, pediatric stroke, heart transplants, recovering from bypass surgery and many more. Members can ask questions, share tips and experiences, offer support to others and share their fears. The forums are monitored by American Heart Association staff who assist with finding resources members are seeking. 

If you already belong to a local support group, the American Heart Association’s free, online Support Network can also provide resources to be shared with your organization. 

Heart disease and stroke are experiences that don’t have to be lived through alone. Join the Support Network and connect with others who walking the same path.