Cincinnati Children's Heart Institute

01/09/2026

3 simple steps can save a life!

📱 Call 911
💪 Start hands-only CPR
⚡ Use an AED

The power to act is in your hands!

01/08/2026

Discover the power of your own story at Introduction to Digital Storytelling, a special webinar hosted by the Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center at Cincinnati Children’s and facilitated by Digital Storytelling expert Kristy Wolfe.

During this engaging session, we’ll explore:
💬 Why stories matter and how they build stronger, healing communities
🎨 How to craft and share your personal story with authenticity and impact
🧭 Guided reflection exercises to help uncover deeper meaning within your own experiences

This free event supports individuals with congenital heart disease (ages 17+) who want to empower, educate, and inspire through storytelling.

Spaces are limited! Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and share!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-digital-storytelling-tickets-1968264211240?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/07/2026

“Gunner was born on March 2, 2023, at 38 weeks at Cincinnati Children’s. During pregnancy, Gunner was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as Truncus Arteriosus Type II, with a large outlet ventricular septal defect. Gunner was in the CICU for two weeks before his first open-heart surgery on March 16. He came home on April 8 with an NG feeding tube. Gunner’s feedings continued to improve after coming home, and the NG feeding tube was removed at the end of April.

He was monitored closely by his cardiologist until it was decided in November 2024 that Gunner would need a heart catheterization to help widen the conduit used to make the repair during his first open-heart surgery. We then learned that the conduit was doing more harm than good, so Gunner’s second open-heart surgery was performed on December 2, 2024. After just four days of recovery, he was able to come home.

Gunner is stronger than ever and thriving! We are so grateful for Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute and everything they did to save our heart warrior.”

12/31/2025

"At 25 weeks, during an anatomy scan, we found out Rosalie’s heart didn't develop correctly. She had Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) with a Transpose of the Great Arteries (TGA) and a Deviation of the Ventricular Septum (DVS). Shortly after, we found out from genetic testing that she has a genetic defect called SETD5. Rosalie was not growing as much as she should, so I was admitted to Cincinnati Children’s at 37 weeks pregnant. Rosalie came on her own at 38 weeks. She was born weighing 5 pounds 4 ounces. Since her heart defect was already known, she was immediately taken for monitoring. They were not sure if she would need surgery immediately or if she could wait a few months. After she was born, she was in the CICU for 8 days and the ACCU for 2 days. She was cleared to go home on Valentine’s Day 2025 (how fitting for a heart baby!) For the months to come, she was closely followed by her cardiologist and pediatrician. At 3 months old, she got an NG tube to help with eating and weight gain. At 6 months old, it was time for her heart repair.

In August, she had her open-heart surgery to repair her double outlet right ventricle. Surgery day was very emotional, but everything went well! She was in the CICU for 4 days and ACCU for 2 after surgery. 6 days post heart surgery, Rosalie was cleared to go home! Now she is doing well and working on eating by mouth. Through everything, Rosalie has remained a very happy smiley girl with a big personality!"

12/25/2025

This season, we celebrate the gift of health and the strength of every heartbeat. Thank you for trusting us with your care and for allowing us to be part of your journey. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and a heart full of hope for the new year!

12/23/2025

"Jackson was born on August 9th, 2023, at 36 weeks and 3 days in the Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Unit.
Jackson was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which is when the left ventricle of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Jackson underwent his 1st open heart surgery, known as the Norwood, on August 15th, 2023, at just 6 days old. He then underwent his 2nd open heart surgery, known as the Glenn, on December 7th, 2023. He recovered well and was able to come home for his first Christmas surrounded by family.
Now he is 2 years old, thriving like any other toddler, is a big brother, and he's ready to celebrate his 3rd Christmas as we patiently wait for his 3rd and hopefully final open-heart surgery, known as the Fontan.
We are forever grateful for Cincinnati Children's and the Heart Institute for saving our warrior's life."

12/19/2025

At The Heart Institute, every patient journey inspires us and helps others find hope. If your child has experienced care at our Heart Institute, we’d love to share your story!

Your experience can encourage others facing similar challenges. Please send us a DM if you are interested!

Thank you for helping us make a difference one heart at a time. ❤️

12/12/2025

Today, we celebrate and honor Dr. Russel Hirsch for his incredible 23 years of service in The Heart Institute! His dedication, compassion, and expertise have made a lasting impact on countless patients, families, and colleagues. We are grateful for the knowledge he's shared, the mentorship he's provided, and the unwavering care he's shown throughout his time here.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Hirsch for his remarkable contributions and wishing him all the best!

12/08/2025

12/03/2025

"This is Piper and Hayes. At our 20-week anatomy scan, we learned that both babies had significant congenital heart defects and would require further imaging to determine the full extent of their conditions. Before we could make it to our scheduled appointment at Cincinnati Children’s, Piper and Hayes arrived prematurely at 28 weeks. At just one day old, Piper was diagnosed with heterotaxy and coarctation of the aorta. She underwent repair surgery on September 11th of this year. Hayes was diagnosed with a double outlet right ventricle, heterotaxy, TAPVR, and an atrioventricular septal defect. He has undergone three heart catheterizations and is currently awaiting surgery."

11/28/2025

The O2breathe Walk on September 6th was an incredible day of hope, strength, and community at Smale Riverfront Park. Together, the PH team walked to raise awareness and funds for pulmonary hypertension and every step mattered.

Whether you walked, donated, or cheered on the team, YOU made a difference!

11/27/2025

This season, we are grateful for the incredible strength of our patients, the dedication of our care teams, and the unwavering support of families who make healing possible every day.
From our heart to yours, we wish you a holiday filled with warmth, love, and gratitude. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey.

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year?