Happy Heart Festival: A Day of Joy and Hope
Posted By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: February 28, 2026
Today was different. Today was special. Today was something I had never experienced before. Thanks to the incredible teams at Camp del Corazon, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Edwards Lifesciences, I had the honor of attending the Happy Heart Festival — a powerful celebration dedicated to children and families living with congenital heart disease. From the moment the event began, it was clear this was more than a gathering. It was a community coming together to celebrate strength, resilience, and possibility.
What Is the Happy Heart Festival?
The Happy Heart Festival is designed to bring joy, connection, and empowerment to children affected by congenital heart disease. Blending educational experiences with fun, interactive activities, the festival creates a safe and uplifting environment where kids and their families can learn, laugh, and feel supported. The event reflects a powerful idea: heart conditions may shape a journey, but they do not limit a child’s ability to thrive.
The Mission Behind Camp del Corazon
At the heart of this inspiring event is Camp del Corazon, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of children born with heart disease. The organization’s mission focuses on building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships through medically supervised camp experiences and year-round programs.
Founded with the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of camp in a safe environment, Camp del Corazon continues to expand its impact through events like the Happy Heart Festival — reminding families that they are part of a strong and caring community.
Above is a picture of Heather Arnston, the Director of Events and Operations for Camp del Corazon. Heather, her staff and the amazing team of volunteers did a wonderful job at the Happy Heart Fesival.
A Powerful Panel on the Lifelong Journey of Congenital Heart Disease
Beyond the fun activities, I had the privilege of leading a remarkable panel titled, “Congenital Heart Disease: A Lifelong Journey.” The discussion featured leading specialists from Cedars-Sinai including Dr. Jay Pruetz (fetal cardiology), Dr. Melita Viegas (pediatric cardiac surgery), Dr. Stephen Nageotte (pediatric interventional cardiology), and Dr. Prashanth Venkatesh (adult congenital cardiology).
Listening to these experts share insights about how Cedars-Sinai supports patients from diagnosis through adulthood — across Guerin Children’s and the Smidt Heart Institute — was truly eye-opening. The conversation reinforced how rapidly congenital heart care is evolving and how coordinated, lifelong management is transforming outcomes for patients and families.
Education, Empowerment, and Pure Fun
While the educational moments were inspiring, the heart of the day belonged to the kids. Edwards Lifesciences transformed its beautiful campus in Irvine, California into an extraordinary playground filled with activities including Twister, face painting, bowling, arts and crafts, and countless opportunities for laughter.
Everywhere you looked, children were smiling, parents were connecting, and volunteers were creating unforgettable memories. The Happy Heart Festival perfectly blended education, empowerment, and fun — a reminder that living with congenital heart disease can still be filled with joy, confidence, and hope for the future.
Thanks Camp del Corazon, Cedars-Sinai and Edwards Lifesciences!
What a wonderful day — and heartfelt thanks to all the teams and volunteers who made this experience so meaningful for the kids and their families.
I have to give a special shout-out to Brittani Williams, Jennifer Fagnani and Shannon Davis, our long-time partners at Cedars-Sinai who have helped us expand our coverage of congenital heart disease!
Related Links:
- Patient Webinar: Lifetime Management of Congenital Pulmonary Valve Disease
- Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s Heart Program
Keep on tickin,
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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