Meagan

My name is Meagan.

I am 29 years old.

I am Imperfectly Perfect.

My name is Meagan and I was born with half a heart. My diagnosis is hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), transposition of the great arteries (TGA), atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). I’ve had three open heart surgeries before the age of 3 to help my heart function.

Even with half a heart, I have lived an amazing life so far.

Played sports, graduated high school, went off to college, met the man of my dreams, graduated with my bachelors, moved to a new state and worked full time. Today, I am married, working full time and working on my masters degree. My dream? To become a child life specialist and work with children like me. I want them to know that living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), doesn’t mean you can’t live life. Living with a heart condition is like waves, you have good days and bad days. But I’m happy to be here.

My advice to adults with CHD, is to live your life.

Try things and live life. Meet people who have the same diagnosis, it’s amazing how many people you can talk to and connect with.

To new parents of a child with CHD, is to breathe.

I know it’s scary and it’s a lot to take it but it’s all worth it. Meet other families, get support from others going through this. I wanted to share my story to give hope to new parents and families, but also to encourage teens and adults to share their stories and spread awareness.

I will help others, in any way I can.

Written June 2019