CHD Mom Story

Today I'm very happy to welcome CHD mom and best-selling author Natasha Brown to the Realm. I have been lucky enough to call Natasha my friend and colleague for the past year. We have connected over more than just writing and reading books. We have connected over the subject of congenital heart defects. Natasha's daughter was born with a CHD. Where as I understand the story as a CHD survivor, Natasha understands it from the point of view of the mother. Welcome to CHD Awareness Week on the Realm, Natasha.

When did you first learn that your daughter had a CHD?

I first found out about my daughter’s heart defect when I was 31 weeks pregnant. During my previous pregnancy I had suffered from Preeclampsia and pre-term labor, so while I was pregnant with my second child, the doctors kept a close eye on me. While I was at the specialist’s office getting yet another ultrasound, the woman stopped to get the doctor – never a good sign. It was then that I was informed that my baby would be born with heart defects.

What did you do to prepare yourself for caring for a child with a CHD?

My husband and myself did as much research as possible, which is both a good and bad thing. On one hand you’re prepared and on the other you’re fully aware of the worst case scenario. I’m naturally not an overly-emotional person, I consider myself pretty level-headed, but it’s hard to handle just the same. I never allowed myself to think negatively because it’s just not in my make-up. I plowed ahead and moved forward, prepared to do whatever was necessary to take care of our little girl.

Looking back, how have you and your daughter overcome the obstacles you've had to face?

Unfortunately when you or your family member is born with a medical issue like this, there is no other choice but to face it head on. We did what we had to do like so many other families around the world, and we were lucky to be located near a great Children’s Hospital. I know the experience has made me stronger as a person, and I hope with time it will shape my daughter’s life in a positive way. Since she was so young when she had her surgeries she doesn’t remember a lot, but she is like her mom – she’s a survivor. The most important thing for me through all of this was to stay positive, to never question why it happened to our family. You can’t change it – how you deal with it is the REAL challenge.  

How has writing The Shapeshifter Chronicles helped you deal with everything?

I wrote the first book of my series, Fledgling, a couple months after my daughter’s second open-heart surgery. Two things converged – I was inspired to write a book after years of thinking about it, and I wanted to have a character that my daughter could look up to. I know she’s not alone. Heart defects are so common, I wanted a heroine that could inspire children and adults alike and who are like my own hero – my daughter. 

The Shapeshifter Chronicles is Natasha's YA series about a girl who is struggling with adolescence and dealing with a CHD. When she meets Chance, her whole world changes:

Book Description:  The Fledgling

 

Set apart from other eighteen year olds, Ana Hughes knows she is different. A life threatening heart condition smothers her future and she yearns to feel normal. Her hopes are pinned on a fresh start in a remote town far from her native Colorado. Among the locker filled hallways in Clark Bend High, Ana keeps to the shadows, not wanting to draw attention to her violet tinged lips and wilted silhouette. And she almost succeeds, until she meets Chance Morgan.

Struggling to keep up appearances, she soon suspects Chance is hiding something as well. His animal-like senses, miraculous healing ability and peculiar reaction to her Thunderbird necklace compels Ana to question if there's more to the stories about his Navajo ancestry. Without any other explanation, she fears he is playing tricks on her. But the truth may prove too much for Ana's delicate heart...

Natasha followed up Fledgling with the second Shape Shifter Chronicle, Prodigy

Thank you so much for visiting the Realm today, Natasha, and sharing your story with us.

"CHD Awareness Week is an annual awareness effort to help educate the public about Congenital Heart Defects. Participants include individuals, local support groups, national and local organizations and congenital cardiology centers throughout the world!"