Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years. Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums. Our mission is to “inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families.”
Because Mended Hearts is made up of the very kinds of people it serves—heart patients, their families, and others impacted by heart disease, its members draw on personal experience as they help others. Mended Hearts support groups help people understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after heart disease. Members listen, share their experiences, learn from healthcare professionals and volunteer to talk to other heart patients about what they may face including lifestyle changes, depression, recovery, and treatment. Annually, Mended Hearts volunteers make 227,000 hospital visits to patients and 30,000 visits to family members and caregivers.
Mended Hearts hosts an annual leadership conference to train volunteers and provide networking opportunities. The national office also publishes a quarterly magazine, Heartbeat, to communicate valuable information, chapter news and inspirational stories.
Learn more about our programs and how you can join Mended Hearts! Or find out how you can help.
About The Mended Hearts Blog
The Mended Hearts Blog is here to keep supporters, volunteers and members informed about the activities and successes of the organization. The blog also at time features Mended Hearts members who wish to share their personal story.
The Mended Hearts Blog is maintained by Jennifer Browning who writes and edits the various posts. Those Mended Hearts members who wish to share their story, or for chapters who would like to publish their events and successes on the blog, please email Jennifer Browning at info@mendedhearts.org.
My father had a heart valve replaced. He is 85 yrs. old. Before the surgery, he was healthy. Since the surgery, he says he can not eat and has lost so much weight. The doctors call it “failure to thrive”. He is on Remeron for depression and to stimulate his appetite. He is waisting away in front of our eyes. Even though his surgery was a success, he is going to die of starvation. The doctors say that this happens sometimes with older people, so why didn’t we get help right away? My family is very sad and frustrated. If we had known this, we might have tried to talk Dad out of the surgery. What do you know about this?
Nancy,
Mended Hearts is here to offer support to heart patients and caregivers, however since your concerns are primarily medical related it is best that you consult a medical doctor regarding your father’s situation.
I am not sure where you are located, but you may want to see if there is a Mended Hearts chapter in your area should you feel you would like to talk to other caregivers who have possibly gone through the same situation.
Many members find that Mended Hearts is a wonderful source of support. You can call 1-888-432-7899 or info@mendedhearts.org for the local chapter’s contact info.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Mended Hearts Social Media