Parent Mentor Program
You shouldn't have to figure this out alone.
Sometimes you don't need another brochure.
You need another parent.
The one who understands why you're terrified before every echo.
Who remembers sleeping in a hospital chair.
Who knows that "stable" can be the best word you'll hear all week.
Someone who's walked this road before—and is willing to walk beside you now.
A Parent Mentor is another CHD parent who has walked a similar journey and is trained to provide emotional support, encouragement, and connection.
They're not doctors.
They're not therapists.
They're simply parents who remember what it felt like to be where you are.
What Is a Parent Mentor?
What a Parent Mentor Is (and Isn't)
A Parent Mentor Can...
❤️ Listen without judgment
❤️ Share lived experience
❤️ Offer encouragement
❤️ Help you feel less alone
❤️ Connect you with trusted resources
❤️ Celebrate victories and sit with you through hard days
A Parent Mentor Is Not...
❌ Medical advice
❌ Counseling or therapy
❌ A replacement for your healthcare team
❌ Someone with all the answers
They're simply another heart parent who understands this journey firsthand.
The things you never have to explain...
Why hearing the monitor alarms still makes your heart race.
Why discharge doesn't always feel exciting.
Why you celebrate oxygen saturations.
Why every cardiology appointment brings anxiety.
Why people saying "at least they're okay now" isn't always comforting.
Your mentor already understands.
Coming Soon
We're Building Something Meaningful
Our Parent Mentor Program is currently in development.
We're working alongside CHD families, healthcare professionals, and nonprofit partners to create a thoughtful, trauma-informed program that provides meaningful support for families navigating congenital heart disease.
Join the interest list below to be among the first to hear when the program launches.
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Every family's journey is different. Some families may only need support for a few months, while others may stay connected with their mentor for years. The relationship grows naturally based on your family's needs.
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That is our goal. Because mentoring takes place virtually, we're building the program to support CHD families across the United States.
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Yes! We believe every caregiver deserves support. As our mentor network grows, we hope to offer mentor options that reflect the diverse experiences of the families we serve.
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Your parent mentor is someone you can turn to during both the difficult days and the celebrations. While every relationship is unique, families can expect regular check-ins, honest conversations, encouragement after challenging appointments, someone to celebrate milestones with, trusted resource recommendations, and ongoing connection—not just a single phone call.
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Yes. We understand the importance of trust. Parent mentors are trained to respect your privacy and maintain confidentiality while also following appropriate safety guidelines when necessary.
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Any parent or primary caregiver of a child with congenital heart disease can request a parent mentor. Whether you're newly diagnosed, preparing for surgery, navigating life after discharge, or years into your journey, we're here to provide connection and support.
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No. The Parent Mentor Program is completely free for families thanks to the generosity of our supporters and community partners.
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Not always. While we strive to make thoughtful matches based on shared experiences whenever possible, we also consider factors like your child's age, where you are in your journey, family dynamics, and the type of support you're looking for. Our goal is to create meaningful connections—not just matching diagnoses.
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Every parent mentor will complete specialized training before being matched with a family. Training focuses on active listening, healthy boundaries, confidentiality, trauma-informed support, and connecting families with trusted resources—not giving medical advice.
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Absolutely. Building trust and feeling comfortable with your mentor is important. If you ever feel a different match would better meet your needs, we'll gladly work with you to find a better fit.