Preparing for Surgery
Preparing today can help you feel more confident tomorrow.
Waiting for surgery can bring a mix of hope, fear, and countless questions.
While you can't control everything, there are small things you can do now to feel more prepared for the road ahead.
At Linked by Love, we'll walk beside you as you prepare—not just for surgery day, but for everything that comes with it.
What You May Be Feeling
• Fear of saying goodbye before surgery
• Anxiety about the unknown
• Feeling overwhelmed by medical information
• Guilt for not being able to protect your child
• Constant "what if" thoughts
• Difficulty sleeping and eating before surgery
• Hope mixed with fear
• Feeling emotionally exhausted
• Worry about recovery
• Trying to stay strong for everyone else
Every one of these feelings is valid.
You are not alone.
"Walking my baby to the operating room was the hardest thing I've ever done. Seeing another heart mom waiting for me afterward reminded me that I wasn't walking this road alone."
"Preparing for surgery didn't make me less scared—but it helped me feel less overwhelmed."
There is no "perfect" way to prepare for surgery.
Some parents make endless lists and ask every question they can think of.
Others find themselves avoiding the calendar altogether.
Many feel hopeful one moment and terrified the next.
Whatever you're feeling today, is valid.
You Don't Have To Carry This Weight Alone
Preparing for surgery isn't just about packing a hospital bag or learning medical terms.
It's about carrying the weight of loving your child through one of the hardest days you'll face.
Let us support you while you plan for this.
Linked by Love helps families find trusted resources, meaningful connections, and nonprofit organizations based on where they are in their journey—so you can spend less time searching and more time caring for yourself and your family.
How We Support Families
Ways We Can Support Your Family
Life after diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it by yourself. Whether you need someone to talk to, a community that understands, or guidance through the next steps, we're here to walk beside you.
Find Your Person
Not everyone is ready for a group. Sometimes you just need one person who truly understands.
We'll thoughtfully match you with another heart parent who's walked a similar journey — someone who's been there, gets it, and can walk beside you through this phase of the journey and beyond.
Request a Parent MentorFind Your People
There are very few places where you don't have to explain yourself.
Our weekly virtual parent meetups are a place to connect with families who simply get it.
Come as you are. Stay as long as you can. We'll save you a seat.
See Upcoming MeetupsPersonalized Guidance
You shouldn't have to spend hours searching for answers.
As we get to know your family, we'll help connect you with trusted resources, nonprofit partners, and support that fits where you are in your child's journey.
🤍 Connect With Our TeamPodcast
Honest conversations with parents, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit leaders sharing encouragement, stories, and practical guidance for every stage of the CHD journey.
Coming SoonA Place to Exhale
Whether you have five minutes or an hour, our wellness experiences are designed to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.
Because caring for yourself is part of caring for the people you love most.
Coming SoonPreparing Your Heart & Home
You don't have to have everything figured out today.
Preparing isn't about having all the answers.
It's about taking one small step at a time.
Some things can wait.
Others become easier when you have a little time to plan ahead.
We'll help you focus on what matters most.
Things You Can Start Thinking About
❤️ Understanding your child's surgery
❤️ Asking questions before surgery day
❤️ Planning time away from work
❤️ Arranging childcare for siblings
❤️ Packing for a hospital stay
❤️ Building your support team
❤️ Taking care of yourself, too
❤️ Knowing what surgery day may look like
Feeling overwhelmed?
Let’s figure it out together, one step at a time
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Surgery Preparation Checklist
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once.
We created a simple interactive checklist to help you take one step at a time in the days or weeks leading up to surgery.
Check things off as you go, come back when you need to, and use it as a guide to help you feel a little more prepared.
One Moment at a Time
You don't have to have enough strength for tomorrow. You only need enough strength for this moment.
Today's job is simply to take the next step. We'll help you with the one after that.
Complete the form, and a member of our team will reach out soon.