Heart Beats Children's Society
Heart Beats Children’s Society supports families navigating the challenges of life with congenital heart disease (CHD). In Alberta, cardiac surgeries are centralized at Stollery Children’s Hospital, often displacing families for extended periods while their child receives life saving care. Since 1987, Heart Beats has provided practical assistance, connecting families struggling with healthcare navigation; arranging accommodations with hotels and residences, and offering discreet financial aid to ease burdens while accessing specialized cardiac care. We organize family events, free community activities, and wellness programs for children and youth throughout the year. Our expanded peer support program provides emotional support to families who have received a prenatal diagnosis and also to our bereaved families who have lost their child to heart disease. Heart Beats is building a community of support of people with lived experience, and working for a future without barriers to care.