Mended Hearts Support Group

Brenner Children’s Hospital established North Carolina’s first Mended Little Hearts support group for families and caregivers of pediatric heart patients. Mended Little Hearts is part of a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association. Created 50 years ago, Mended Hearts was established to promote a positive patient-care experience for adults treated for heart disease. Mended Little Hearts was created for families of pediatric heart patients.

Mended Little Hearts offers:

• Support to family members and/or caregivers of children affected with congenital heart defects and heart disease.
• Educational and health resources relating to congenital heart disease and heart disease and well-being.
• Public information to raise awareness in the community about children with congenital heart defects and heart disease.

Kari L. Crawford, R.N., P.N.P., program coordinator, said there is a unique bond for families of children with a heart defect.

“No matter what the defect is or the struggles they endure, they all have one thing in common—a sick child,” she said. “They fear the unknown and want to protect their children.  The support group offers hope and a hug.”

Mended Little Hearts meets quarterly at night at various locations in the western region of the state. For more information and directions to the meeting place, contact Crawford at (336) 713-2228.