Have you ever wondered about the strength that it takes to parent a heart warrior child? What does the journey of raising a child with a congenital heart defect look like? Meet Alison and Brian Blankenship, parents to two children, one of whom is a heart warrior named Ian. Ian was born with a critical congenital heart defect, and his parents are here to share their intimate story of resilience. This compelling episode takes you through the emotional journey of the Blankenships, right from the moment they first received Ian's diagnosis. They bravely face the challenges of countless medical procedures, and share the different milestones they have celebrated, each one a testament to Ian's resilience. There's also a deep dive into the strong bonds they've forged within the CHD community, a source of support that has proven invaluable over the years. The couple touch on the unique grief and isolation that comes with having a child with a heart defect and stress the importance of self-care in their fight against the odds.  But that's not all. We also explore their experiences with A Kid Again, an organization that offers much-needed respite to families with children who have chronic illnesses. They share how A Kid Again differs from Make-a-Wish, the empathy it has nurtured in their daughter Haley, and the benefits they've reaped as a family. Through this enlightening episode, we hope to give you a glimpse of what it truly means to be a heart warrior family, and inspire you to find strength amidst adversity. Join us and discover an inspiring narrative of courage and love. Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link Baby Blue Sound Collective Social Media Pages: Apple Podcasts Facebook Instagram MeWe Twitter YouTube Website