Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance

Edmonton study educates teen heart patients

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Ashley Gawlik was just 13 years old when she first underwent heart surgery. 

It was the first of two required surgeries Gawlik, now 19, underwent, including an aortic valve repair. Back then, if you asked Gawlik the specifics regarding her condition, she honestly couldn't tell you.

"When people would ask me what kind of heart condition I had, I would just say that I have heart problems," said Gawlik, one of 58 teenagers, ages 15 to 17, who took part in a recent clinical research study conducted at the Stollery Children's hospital.

To read the rest of the article, published in the Edmonton Sun, please click HERE.

Check out how congenital heart disease stacks up against better recognized diseases in Canada! So many affected and so little awareness and funding! Get involved with CCHA, donate, and spread the word about the growing population of of "survivors" so that we can get the care and support we need to live long, healthy lives!

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