This episode deals with a very unusual congenital heart defect (CHD) -- a vascular ring defect. In this episode, we will be learning about what this heart defect is, how it affects the body, how the defect can be surgically managed, and how one mother took this experience and created a children's book to help other children with CHDs.

Carli Valentine lives with her husband and their two sons, Finnegan and Lochlan, in Ogden, Utah. Finnegan was born with a heart defect which contributed to other medical challenges. Carli's experiences as a mother have informed her as an author. She has written several children's books that explore themes including congenital heart defects, ADHD, emotional regulation, executive dysfunction, and airway disorders. She hopes to share the magic of books with children to instill a passion for reading. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at her son's school or with CHD charities.

She is the author of six children’s books including Turkey Trot, Bad Habit Rabbit and more. You can learn more about her at linktr.ee/AuthorCarliValentine and follow her on Facebook at @carlivalentineauthor.

Link to Carli’s author page on The Heart Community Collection: https://www.theheartcommunitycollection.com/carlievalentine
Carli's Facebook link: Https://www.facebook.com/Carli-Valentine-Childrens-Book-AuthorIllustrator-102280112241008/
Carli's Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/carlivalentineauthor
Carli's TikTok link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdf8bdFy/
Carli's YouTube channel link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCDudGYn8Q1tcQIRm-_jbXg
Carli's Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/99499463

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