Our Mission

I had never felt so alone as I did when my daughter got sick. I felt isolated in the ICU, learning about VADs and Milrinone while my friends fretted about which sunscreen would be best for their baby. I didn’t have the energy to explain the complexities of her condition, or the language to explain emotions I felt. I felt like no one could understand me, and it only added to the despair and helplessness I experienced each day.

This drastically changed when I was introduced to my first cardiac mom. She asked me all the right questions and offered me advice I didn’t even know I needed. I was uplifted by the strength and perseverance of her and her family. I felt connected, hopeful. It changed my life and allowed me to be the best mom I could be when my daughter’s life literally depended on it.

As I’ve met more cardiac moms over time, I’ve felt a special comfort with them. They understand me, and I them. We offer each other safety, wisdom, and knowledge. We fight for each other. We need each other.

I hope Cardiac Moms will provide a platform for this kind of support to continue. Because if it takes a village to raise a child, it definitely takes a special kind of village to raise ours.

Janna Koretz