Heart to Heart: How simple care packages are changing lives of CHD families in the Cardiac ICU.
Caring for a child with congenital heart disease (CHD) is a journey most parents don’t see coming — and it’s one that can feel incredibly isolating, emotional, and overwhelming. At Born Brave Boutique, we’ve been there, and we’re here to walk alongside families who are navigating the hardest parts of that path.
Our care packages aren’t just bundles of stuff — they’re packed with love and created with intention. Every single item is chosen to meet real needs and bring a little light into those heavy ICU days.
Through your support, we’re building something bigger than a business. We’re creating real, lasting impact in the heart community. A portion of every item purchased in our boutique helps fund these care packages for families currently in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU. A portion of every purchase goes toward this mission- That’s what we mean by shopping with heart.
Whether you’re a fellow heart parent, a healthcare worker, or someone who simply cares about making a difference — you’re part of this movement with us.
Supporting Families in Crisis
When a child is admitted to the Pediatric Cardiac ICU, everything changes. It’s a
whirlwind no one can fully prepare for — and that’s exactly why our care packages exist.
They’re designed to meet families right where they are: in the middle of the mess, the worry, the exhaustion. From self-care items and snacks to small comforts for the kids, each package is built to say,
“We see you. You’re not alone.”
These little things may seem simple, but during a long ICU stay, they can make a world of difference. Our goal is to bring a touch of home into that clinical space, and to remind families that even in the darkest moments, there’s still kindness, community, and support.
Building Real Community
One of the most powerful things we’ve seen is how these care packages create connection. They start conversations. They spark stories. They help families feel less alone.
Through our Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook communities, we’ve heard from so many heart families who say receiving a package helped them breathe a little easier — even if just for a moment. That sense of support is contagious.
We’ve also seen something amazing: families who receive a package and nurses who help pass them out, often want to give back down the line. That ripple effect of kindness is what Born Brave is all about — lifting each other up and keeping that support going long after the hospital stay.
And while the packages offer comfort, they also raise awareness. So many people don’t realize how intense life in the cardiac ICU can be — or that CHD often requires multiple surgeries and extended stays. These packages help start that conversation, opening eyes and hearts to the reality so many families face.
By building these connections, we're not just providing immediate relief; we're laying the foundation for a supportive network that can last well beyond the hospital stay.
Because sometimes, the smallest gifts leave the biggest impact.
Standing with you, always,
Natalie
A CHD Mama & Founder of Born Brave Boutique