In 2010, the Help-A-Heart Support Group was founded.  Wendy Meyer wanted to expand Help-A-Heart’s mission and had a passion to create a safe place for families of children with congenital heart defects to share their stories, connect with families, and get emotional support.  Our support group has brought in special speakers, including pediatric doctors and staff.  The Help-A-Heart Support Group started out with about 5 families attending  the meetings and has grown to over 25 families in 10 years!  We have supported 200+ IOWA CHD FAMILIES! Due to COVID we now have virtual and in person meetings and our outings have been limited.  Before COVID hit, we had other social gatherings including an Iowa Wolves Game, Mom’s Night Out, Dreamnight at the Zoo, Summer Potluck, and a Pumpkin Patch Outing.  We can’t wait until we are able to meet again in person.

In 2020, we were honored to have Kasey Vermillion added to the Help-A-Heart team!  She is currently leading our support group meetings and doing many administrative duties.  If you have any questions or would like to be added to our support group mailing list/facebook page, please contact Kasey Vermillion.

Due to the AMAZING growth we have experienced, the last couple years we have reached out to several heart moms to provide extra support in volunteer roles. We appreciate their willingness to help and are very grateful for the ones who have served and are continuing to serve in these roles.

If your child has an upcoming Cath or surgery, please reach out to one of the following volunteers at supportgroup@help-a-heart.org so we can provide a meal for you.

Kelli Bartleson (Meal Co-Coordinator)

Nicole Knapp (Meal Co-Coordinator)

Support Group Meeting dates are as follows: