Need to talk to someone? Call us at (587) 782-3259 or email us to connect.
Need to talk to someone?
Call us at (587) 782-3259 or email us to connect.
Need to talk to someone? Call us at (587) 782-3259 or email us to connect.
Need to talk to someone?
Call us at (587) 782-3259 or email us to connect.
On this page, we’ve gathered resources to help you understand CHD and its impact so you can successfully support your child throughout their entire life journey
Decoding Clinical Talk
Practical advice and recommended vocabulary for talking with your child about medical experiences.
Heart Diagrams & Learning Tools
Heart education resources to help you better understand the heart and various types of heart defects.
Factsheet for Schools 
Produced by the Children’s Heart Network of BC and endorsed by WCCHN, this Factsheet for Schools is a fillable PDF you can download, print, and complete for your child’s teachers.
The Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance (CCHA) 
The CCHA is a national organization that supports Canadians living with Congenital Heart Defects. Their website contains a vast collection of resources about CHD for parents and families.
Heart & Soul
Produced by the Children’s Heart Network of BC, in collaboration with BC Children’s Hospital, this extensive resource covers topics related to Congenital Heart Defects including coping with your child’s diagnosis, visiting the hospital, navigating the healthcare system, and more.
Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) is an organization representing more than 7,600 surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart and lungs. WCCHN and our CV Surgeons have been longtime participants of the STS and their National Congenital Heart Surgery Database. This website was created by STS to provide patients and families with information about the different types of pediatric CHD and the possible treatment options.
When Your World Stops: Finding Hope In Your Child’s Medical Journey
A book written by a WCCHN heart parent that includes short, experience-filled stories that cover hospital rounds, postpartum depression, roles of medical teams, updating friends and family and so much more. You will find tips on self-care or meditation that can help keep you grounded.
Tell Your Story Through Photography
This book is a collaboration between three heart warriors, inspired by one Western Canadian family’s experience of CHD. It provides information on how you can narrate your journey, and heal, through photography.
The Abilities In Me: Congenital Heart Defect
Second in the “abilities in me” series, this picture book is dedicated to young children born with CHD. Explore a day in the life of a young girl with CHD through bright, colourful illustrations and text. Best for children ages 3-8 years, this book shows how each child can celebrate their abilities, find acceptance, and create awareness to those around them.
You don’t have to search for information alone.
College Plaza, Suite 1910
8215 112 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8
Canada
© 2024 Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network
Design and development by WE&US Agency
