Angels Pediatric Heart House

I had the pleasure to volunteer once for an annual picnic held for the children. I was surprised and delighted to see how active all the children were and was impressed by the level of Love and Devotion that Angels Pediatric Non-Profit organization had for the entire familiy of the children with congestive heart disease. The picnic was not a fund raiser but rather a labor of love, it made me feel that I was part of somnething greater and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

We have been served by this organization for about 5 years now. It is such a blessing to be able to be put together with other families who deal with the same issues we deal with in the medical world. There is an instant bond with these families. The children light up and so enjoy the events that they are invited to. Who wouldn't want to be the guest of honor. This organization knows how to make the children feel special! My desire is to see them be able to continue to help families navigate in the very difficult and scary world of Congenital Heart Defects.

Angel's Pediatric Heart House has supported my family during and after my son's heart surgeries. The founder, Sonia, visited my son in the hospital and has generously given him gifts that were greatly appreciated. Through this organization, we have met and been connected to other heart families who have undergone similar experiences. Angel's Pediatric Heart House helped us realize that our family is not alone in this emotional struggle but we have a support network to get us through the trials of congenital heart disease.

The Angels Pediatric Cardiology Inc. is exceptionally helpful to the south Florida families of children with congenital heart disease in providing support, donated supplies, hospital visits, educational program in 2011 and activites for the families. Their generosity for families and staff is outstanding, particularly during hospital visits is outstanding.

APHH is a great organization run by a selfless individual with little to gain but the rewards received when helping others. Over the six years I have been a member, after my son was born with HLHS, I have seen APHH make great strides in finding resources in the community to help the families served.

My daughter Allyson was born with an AV Canal Defect that required surgery when she was 6 month old. We joined APHH after the surgery and they have being a great support group. It is always nice to meet new parents and talked about our children.

Sonia @ aphh does such an amazing job with her organization. We met at her annual pinic in febuary and met many other families going through the same situation. our son justin is 4 and has hlhs . Sonia has helped with lodging in hotel rooms and the apartment at the hospital and helped to reapir our car when we didnt have any money. We enjoy going to all the events she host.

My adopted daughter Khyler age 7 years old, who has Down Syndrome was born with Coarctation of the Aorta. She has had two heart surgeries and will undergo a third when she gets older. I was referred to Angel's Pediatric Heart House by a Foster Parent(s) Agency here in Broward County. Mrs. Perez immediately welcomed us as part of her family, and was able to meet our need. It is my intention to volunteer my services to this great organization.

Norma and Khyler

Angel's Pediatric Heart House is a great place to meet other parents who share a cause-having a child with a heart problem. We attended many functions where we met other parents and it helped us learn more about our son's condition. Angelis house is doing remarkable work by offering a support group especially to parents who never encountered a heart problem. They offer social gathering and devote their time to help others. There is no other a volunteering organization like the Angel's Pediatric Heart House.

Our first encounter with Dr. Perez was at the birth of our son in 1995. Dr. Perez was able to diagnose his problem as Tetrollogy of Fallot. From that time on not only did we count Dr. Perez as our doctor, but also our friend. When Dr. Perez passed away, we felt a great loss. We were very excited to be invited to the beginning of APHH, a picnic, given in Dr. Perez's honor. What we found in APHH was more than an organization that would have an event here and there, it became a lifeline to connecting with children and families that were experiencing some of the same fears and questions we were facing. We were able to talk to parents who knew about the things we knew about. APHH held a Big Hearts Big Adventures Family Fun Day & Mini Symposium a few weeks ago. There were speakers there that spoke about when our children reach a certain age they are considered legal adults and their medical issues would become a private mattere between them and their doctor. During her portion, I found myself realizing our family was just a few years away from that time. Another speaker spoke of making sure our children know about their condition and being able to tell the doctor themselves. This information was very important to me. The doctor who spoke for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, was excellent and I learned of many of the advancements being made in heart surgeries, a comforting thought since our son has a surgery planned for June of this year. I appreciate APHH because it connects you with families that are currently in the same battle as we are. My husband and I have enjoyed connecting w/ these parents again and again to hear their successes and their sadnesses. We truly are grateful that even through a terrible tragedy, as the loss of Dr. Perez, that something wonderful has come of it and that is Angel's Pediatric Heart House.

My son Nathanial has Ebstein's Anomally. His first open heart surgery was at 18 hours old. His second surgery was 4 months later. Nate's condition is so rare that the doctor's weren't sure what to expect. So, we sat, watched, and waited. Now, he is progressing beautifully. Our family received much warmth and support from many people who we never met until his visit to Miami Childrens. Angel's Pediatric House was one of the first. Ms. Sonia was caring and inderstanding during a confusing and difficult time for our family. Her generousity helped our traveling burdens. The shadow doll helped our 6 year old to understand what was happening to his little brother. We are so grateful for her help.

My daughter was born with 3 holes in heart three years ago. As a first time mother, I really didn't what would happen or how to cope with the situation. One of the hospital that I gave birth asked me if I wanted to go to a meeting that they were having so learn more about my babies born with cingenital heart defects. With no hesitation I decided to attend. To me Angel's Pediatric Heart House is more than an organization to help parents like me, but it is my family, our family. Recently, I was laid off from my job and didn't have any financial assistant from anyone, Ms. Sonia Perez from APHH referred me to a wonder charity that not only assisted me with daycare, but also assisted me with all my bills. Thanks to the good Lord, I was able to find work and bring myself up to date with my finances. Words can not fully describe they way I feel about APHH, it would a lifetime for me to write all the good things this organization does for me and my family. Ever since I became part of Angel's Pediatric Heart House, not only I became a better understanding mother, but also made a lot friends, have faith, believe and understanding of others.

My daugerter Alexis was born with coarctation of the aorta. By the time she was one years old she had already undergone four heart surgeries. Lexi is now 9 years old and is doing amazing, but unfortunately she will probably need one more surgery, we are just not sure when. Her first year of life was the hardest thing I ever experienced in my life. I felt so alone, even though I had all the support of my family and friends nobody really could understand what I was going through. Finding APHH has been such a blessing in so many ways. My daughter and I love going to all of the events. I get to meet with other families, who unfortunately know exactly how I feel. I can hear their stories and we can all relate to our experiences. My daughter can meet other kids who have a "special heart" just like her! Sonia is one of the most caring peolple I have ever met and we love her dearly. She has given us many fun memories and hopefully many more to come.

By surprise, our daughter was born 17 years ago with a Congenital Heart Defect. She had open heart surgery when she was ten months old at a hospital out of town. I remember how lonely, scared, overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions my husband and I felt hoping and praying that God would protect our beautiful baby girl. When we came back home, we felt somehow alone because none of our friends and family knew how this traumatic experience had changed us, even though they all meant well. That is the reason my daughter and I are voluntering and helping APHH. We really felt that we were contributing in a positive way with all the families that, at the moment, are dealing with this unfortunate event in their lives. We helped Mrs. Sonia Perez at the picnic, and we also helped her deliver packages full of goodies like baby bottles, clothing, strollers, and car seats at Miami Children's Hospital to all the newborn and older babies that were there waiting or just few days after surgery. Then she would let their parents know about her wonderful non profit organization and how to belong to this special group of friends with beautiful kids with congenital heart defects. We feel very fortunate to have meet Sonia Perez and be able to help and make a difference in the life of this special group of parents who are, at the moment, in search of hope and somehow help them believe that their children will have a healthier and regular chilhood like any other kid. I just wish I had known of an organization, like hers, when my husband and I were going through those tense months waiting for our daughter's surgery and hoping for the best outcome for her. At least now I know that I can help.

I found APHH at a very down time in my life.My angle was born with heart disease. He was 4 weeks old when he had his frist surgery, then he was 5 years when he had his second.he is now awaiting his third. After his second surgery, he start having attacks where he could hardly breath. The attack would come on early morning and would scare him so bad he would not go to sleep. I went to the hair with a friend and found a article in a Riverwalk magazine about APHH. I was desperate and need somebody to talk. APHH has help my angle to meet and mingle with other children who have the same or wrost condition. he realize he is not alone It is a blessing to be part of the APHH family. my family got to go on a disney cruise that Sonia Perez did the application to make a wish foundation, the picnics and events my family get to attend, that we could not afford. The gift cards we recieve that help us with food is such a great blessing. All this we have to say thank you to APHH for there love, the support and kindness

My wife and I found out our 1 of our twin girls would be born with a heart defect. We were very scared that we would loose her. But thank god she responded great to the surgury. Then came the good people of APHH. They left us some gifts that were a great help for our family, including a double stroller for our twins. It felt good that someone was there, holding our hand through this dificult time. And then there was the shadow buddy. He was the one who kept my baby company while she was in the hospital. And though she is only 3 mnths, she loves her doll, holds her doll and talks to it all day long. By having APHH by our side, we got to meet other families with the same issues and how they are handling it. This gave us a little more hope. Thanks Sonia for all your help and for making such a beautiful organization that cares for little babies broken hearts and there families.

My daughter was in and out of the hospital her first two years. She had many heart caths and two open heart surgeries. APHH became very special to us as Madison grew and became more stable. When you have a medically fragile child there isn't always money for fun things. You struggle just to meet the needs. APHH has a way of putting the fun back into the lives of these little ones. We have had such wonderful times through picnics, ice shows, bowling, and even shopping through their "store". My little one is still wearing some of the donated Disney dresses that she received from our friends. My girls love APHH and those who represent it. I know that when the time comes for our little girl to have more heart surgery they will be there to help in anyway they can. APHH is an organization that lends a hand, helps us smile and connect us with others in our same situation. We all love APHH!

Our son had heart surgery 2 years ago this month. We had known he would need surgery around age four, but he started having problems at 28 months. He had his surgery within a few weeks, and we got invited to a Heart party at the park. This was where we met Sonia, and she told us about Angels Pediatric Heart House. It was so amazing to me that she set up this foundation after her husband passed. He was a Pediatric Cardiologist. Sadly enough, our sons surgeon passed just 3 months after his surgery. Sonia answered so many questions, and was sure to introduce us to many other families. We have attended many events with APHH, including a show in a big tent, farm rides, and numerous parties with many other families with kids that also have heart disease. They also include face painting, great food, bounce houses, and bowling. We are able to attend the Christmas parties the last two years as well. To our surprise, they gave both our son and daughter a Christmas present. It seems like Sonia really is just concerned for the kids. I know she would help us whenever possible. look forward to the day we finish schooling, and can start giving back to APHH. The money gets used very wisely.