Growing Up With Heart Disease - Strength in Stories
About this Event
Every heart journey is unique. Behind every diagnosis, surgery, milestone, challenge, and success is a story that has the power to inspire, connect, and teach.
This year's conference theme, Strength in Stories, celebrates the experiences of children, youth, young adults, families, and professionals who are part of the heart disease community. Stories help us make sense of difficult experiences, find hope during uncertain times, and remind us that we are not alone. They create connections
between families facing similar challenges, empower young people to share their voices, and provide valuable insights for the healthcare professionals who support them.
Throughout the conference, we will explore how lived experiences can foster resilience, build community, and strengthen partnerships between families and care teams. Whether you are a parent, youth, young adult, caregiver, or healthcare professional, your story matters. By listening, learning, and sharing together, we can discover the strength that comes from our collective experiences and continue building a more connected and compassionate heart community.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
🕑: 08:50 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome to GUWHD ‘Strength in Stories’
Host: Dawn McKellar
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Keynote: Reflections from a Career in Pediatric Cardiology
Host: Dr. Martin Hosking
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Break - Networking
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Every ‘Heart Story’ Is Also a ‘Brain Story’
Host: Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan
Info: Understanding Brain Health in Children with Heart Conditions - Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Youth Session: Morning meet and great
Host: Kirsten/Emily
Info: K0 155
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Heartfulness: Cultivating Presence and Love Through Mindfulness
Host: Dr Dzung Vo and Sabrina Gill
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Youth Session: Transition Talk
Host: Dawn McKellar
Info: K0 155
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Breakout session 1
Host: Amy Fotheringham and Dr Muhieldin Muhieldin Ahamad
Info: The Heart of Teamwork: Caring for Children Through Heart Surgery - Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Breakout Session 2
Info: TBA
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:45 PM
Youth Session: Hearts of Gold Teens:
Info: Room KO-155
🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Break
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:30 PM
Breakout session 1
Info: TBA
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:30 PM
Breakout session 2
Info: Creating ‘Positive School Stories’ for Children with Heart Conditions - Room 2108
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Voices Across the Lifespan – panel discussion
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Break
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM
‘Hearts of Gold’ Youth Presentation
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing remarks, thank you’ s and door prizes
Info: Chan Centre Auditorium
🕑: 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Reception
Info: Chan Centre Atrium
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 25.00
