MSharpe_TN

Please take a moment to read through the following registration terms and rules. 1) The Online Community is a benefit of ACHA membership. Individuals who are not currently ACHA members will not be approved to access the Online Community. To register for ACHA membership, please click here. 2) The Online Community is a safe, moderated space for ACHA members to discuss CHD-related topics. As such, we ask that you do not take screenshots or share posts outside of the Online Community in order to protect the privacy of all members. You also agree, through your use of this service, to abide by all Online Community policies and procedures. You may reference these policies at any time by clicking on the Forum Policies link located within the Online Community. 3) The messages posted in the Online Community express the views of the author of the message, not necessarily the views of ACHA. As an organization, ACHA is institutionally neutral and does not endorse or recommend specific programs or providers. Links to resources available on the ACHA website are included throughout the Online Community. All educational resources can be found under the Your Heart tab of the website. 4) Talking to someone else who has had a similar experience about your health and quality of care, in addition to obtaining recommendations from other patients or family members, can be helpful. However, each person and situation is different therefore we ask that any medically-related questions also be discussed with your ACHD care team. If you need assistance with navigating care or would like to talk with one of ACHA's trained Heart to Heart Peer Support Ambassadors, please click here to learn more and complete the Support Request Form. 5) By registering, you agree to watch this brief tutorial on the Online Community, which reviews features, how to navigate the site and how to set up your profile.

Read the latest entry to the HeartTalk blog by clicking here. About the Author: Melissa Hartman is an ACHA Ambassador. In her words: “You should not have stayed away so long! You need surgery, and I don’t want you to wait.” These were shocking words from my ACHD cardiologist. Like most adults, I had been living life without properly caring for my congenital heart defect, tetrology of Fallot. I was the lucky one who was the first TOF repair at Emory in Atlanta in 1972 at the age of four. With only a few interventions between four and 40, I figured I was set for life. When my cardiologist told me I needed another surgery, I was stunned. Once again, I was lucky. I was referred to a wonderful surgeon who was able to save my pulmonary valve and repair my right ventricular outflow tract. As I recovered and realized how truly fortunate I am, I decided I needed to help educate everyone about the importance of lifelong care with an adult congenital specialist.

Read the latest entry to the HeartTalk blog by clicking here. About the Author: Robert Grabel was born with tetralogy of Fallot, had open heart surgery when he was 10 and recently had valve replacement surgery. He is married with one daughter and one dog. Robert works in the nonprofit field where he helps organizations create endurance event fundraisers. He considers himself lucky to blend his passion for work in the charitable sector with his love of biking and long distance running—to date he has run 14 marathons and more than 20 half-marathons, as well as long distance cycling events. He was introduced to ACHA by his cardiologist and is eager to help and encourage other CHD patients to embrace life to the fullest.