Courageous Hearts of Idaho
Support Group for Congenital Heart Disease

A support group for families and others affected by congenital heart disease

Who We Are
Courageous Hearts of Idaho was founded in 2008 by parents who recognized the need in our community for face to face support and the sharing of resources and information. Our group is open to parents of children with heart disease, adults with congenital heart disease, extended families, caregivers, nurses—anyone who loves someone with a Courageous Heart.

Courageous Hearts of Idaho is the only congenital heart disease support group in the state.

Make a Donation

Your donation can make a difference for Courageous Hearts of Idaho.

How We Support

• Monthly meetings
• Quarterly newsletter
• Sharing of resources
• Educational opportunities
• Confidential communication

Support and resources are provided free of charge to all patients and families.

Our Meetings

When: The third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Alternating at St. Luke’s Boise and St. Luke’s Meridian.

2009 Locations
January, March, May, July, September, November
St. Luke's Boise, Downtown South Tower, 5th Floor, Boise Room

February, April, June, August, October, December
St. Luke's Meridian, Blackfoot/Lemhi Rooms

Why: Socialize, support, and share resources, information, and experiences. The group is a positive, informal, and comfortable place to meet others with similar experiences.

Special Events

• Participation as Team Courageous Hearts of Idaho in the American Heart Association START! Treasure Valley Heart Walk
• Courageous Hearts of Idaho annual family picnic

Contact Information
Julie Du Bois, RN
St. Luke’s Boise Pediatric Cardiovascular Services Coordinator
190 East Bannock Street         
Boise, Idaho 83712
208-381-1978
Fax: 208-381-2820
duboisj@slrmc.org

Other Resources
Courageous Hearts of Idaho @ yahoogroups.com
www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org
www.americanheart.org

A Message from Jacob’s Mom

Nine out of every 1,000 babies born have some form of congenital heart defect or heart disease. My son Jacob is one of them. He was born with a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which caused him to be in congestive heart failure. His heart is weakened and enlarged, and cannot pump blood efficiently.

Jacob takes more than 10 medications a day, and even though he tries his hardest to be a typical three year old boy, he isn’t thriving. He tires easily and just can't keep up with the other kids. Even with all the wonderful scientific advancements that have helped him live this long, he still is reliant on a feeding tube and still is in heart failure.

I hope that some day we will find a cure for heart disease, so that Jacob and all the kids like him can grow up and lead happy and healthy lives.
Jinjue Serre