{"id":43503,"date":"2026-02-28T22:58:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T03:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/?p=43503"},"modified":"2026-03-28T09:39:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T14:39:39","slug":"happy-heart-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2026\/02\/28\/happy-heart-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Heart Festival: A Day of Joy and Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Today was different. Today was special. Today was something I had never experienced before. Thanks to the incredible teams at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campdelcorazon.org\/\">Camp del Corazon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/hospital\/cedars-sinai-heart-institute\">Cedars-Sinai Medical Center<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edwards.com\/\">Edwards Lifesciences<\/a>, I had the honor of attending the Happy Heart Festival \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-43512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/Images\/happy-heart-festival-camp-corazon-cedars-panle.jpg\" alt=\"Happy Heart Festival\" width=\"637\" height=\"412\" \/><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>What Is the Happy Heart Festival?<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.campdelcorazon.org\/hhf\">Happy Heart Festival<\/a> 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\u2019s ability to thrive.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2UIKncT78uU?si=cUfWgTEyEBg4SQlh\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Mission Behind Camp del Corazon<\/h2>\n<p>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\u2019s mission focuses on building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships through medically supervised camp experiences and year-round programs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hTODUSqhhJo?si=ENxFTCZREzN-y-Px\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 reminding families that they are part of a strong and caring community.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/heather-antson-camp-del-corazon.jpg\" alt=\"Heather Arntson - Camp del Corazon\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" \/>Heather Arnston (Camp del Corazon)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Below\u00a0is Odysseus, a courageous two-time heart surgery patient, and his mom, Betsy. We met at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/programs\/pediatrics.html\">Geurin Children&#8217;s booth<\/a>. There, with Jennifer Fagnani from Cedars-Sinai Geurin Children&#8217;s, we learned that Odysseus and I both had the same cardiac surgeon in common!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/happy-heart-festival-odysseus.jpg\" alt=\"Congenital Heart Valve Surgery Patients\" width=\"675\" height=\"436\" \/>Odysseus, Betsy (his mom) and Jennifer Fagnani<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>A Powerful Panel on the Lifelong Journey of Congenital Heart Disease<\/h2>\n<p>Beyond the fun activities, I had the privilege of leading a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2026\/03\/28\/happy-heart-festival-session\/\">remarkable panel titled, \u201cCongenital Heart Disease: A Lifelong Journey.\u201d<\/a> The discussion featured leading specialists from Cedars-Sinai including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/newsroom\/fetal-cardiology-expert-joins-cedars-sinai\/\">Dr. Jay Pruetz (fetal cardiology)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/surgeons\/dr-Melita-Viegas-Los+Angeles-California.php\">Dr. Melita Viegas (pediatric cardiac surgery)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/interventional-cardiologist\/dr-Stephen-Nageotte-Los+Angeles-California.php\">Dr. Stephen Nageotte (pediatric interventional cardiology)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/provider\/prashanth-venkatesh-3320116.html\">Dr. Prashanth Venkatesh (adult congenital cardiology)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43519\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/cedars-panel-happy-heart-festival-congenital.jpg\" alt=\"Cedars-Sinai Panel at Happy Heart Festival\" width=\"650\" height=\"656\" \/>Dr. Jay Pruetz, Dr. Melita Viegas, Dr. Stephen Nageotte, Dr. Prashanth Venkatesh<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Listening to these experts share insights about how Cedars-Sinai supports patients from diagnosis through adulthood \u2014 across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/programs\/pediatrics.html\">Guerin Children\u2019s<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/hospital\/cedars-sinai-heart-institute\">Smidt Heart Institute<\/a> \u2014 was truly eye-opening.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/Adam-Pick-Happy-Heart-Festival-Panel_Cedars-Sinai.jpg\" alt=\"Adam Pick of HeartValveSurgery.com Speaking on Expert Panel\" width=\"700\" height=\"527\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The conversation reinforced how rapidly congenital heart care is evolving and how coordinated, lifelong management is transforming outcomes for patients and families.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Education, Empowerment, and Pure Fun<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/face-painting-happy-heart-festival.jpg\" alt=\"Face Painting at Happy Heart Festival\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 a reminder that living with congenital heart disease can still be filled with joy, confidence, and hope for the future.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43516\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/twister-happy-heart-festival.jpg\" alt=\"Twister at Happy Heart Festival\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" \/>Giant Inflatable Twister<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Thanks Camp del Corazon, Cedars-Sinai and Edwards Lifesciences!<\/h2>\n<p>What a wonderful day \u2014 and heartfelt thanks to all the teams and volunteers who made this experience so meaningful for the kids and their families.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43518\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/..\/Images\/cedars-sinai-heart-happy-festival-congenital.jpg\" alt=\"Cedars-Sinai Team at Happy Heart Festiva\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" \/>Brittani Williams, Jennifer Fagnani, and Shannon Davis<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>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!<\/p>\n<p>Related Links:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rrpHzx1S5iA\">Patient Webinar: Lifetime Management of Congenital Pulmonary Valve Disease<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/programs\/pediatrics.html\">Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children&#8217;s Heart Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2026\/03\/28\/happy-heart-festival-session\/\">Video Update: Watch the &#8220;Lifetime Management of Congenital Heart Disease&#8221; Session at the Happy Heart Festival<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep on tickin,<br \/>\nAdam<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43524,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adams-updates"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43503"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43650,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43503\/revisions\/43650"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43524"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}