OUR SPECIAL FAMILY
They call us a support group, but it is so much more
It's a community of family, all inside our doors
Yes, it is a sad thing, the reason we are here
Our children's hearts are not well, and we are full of fear.
Each child's problem differs, yet they are all alike
They are kids with heart defects, fighting for their lives
We all ask the same question, "How would I survive
Without this group, my other family, walking by my side?"
We don't hesitate to put ourselves aside
To give support to someone else who is having a rough ride
From the simple to the complicated, all illnesses get prayer
You never are alone here, your family is always there.
Our children's lives of constant battle never need explaining
We understand completely what the other one is saying
We never leave a discussion, with feelings of frustration
Of trying to explain our precious child's individual situation.
We know exactly how it feels to watch our children fight
Undergoing so much pain just to stay alive
We live a life with its ups and downs, rejoicing, yet afraid
That we will be the next one asking everyone to pray.
Some of us have never met and maybe never will
Yet we still can carry each other up even the steepest hill
It's with all our hearts, and the defect being a part
That we are joined together in this group called Heart-to-Heart! 
How Did Our Group Get Started?
The Heart-to-Heart Support Group in Des Moines is a Chapter of Mended Little Hearts, which is a national non-profit organization. The idea of forming this group was first put into action in June of 2004. Realizing the need for such a group in our area, a meeting was held with only one mom, two support staff from Mercy Medical Center, and three staff members of Pediatric Cardiology, P.C. It was the consensus of the group to contact families who had already gone through the experience of heart surgery with their child, to help support new families who would be going through similar circumstances. Hence, the Heart-to-Heart Support Group was established.
Presently, we are able to offer support to families in a variety of ways. The monthly meetings are only a small part of who we are and what we do. Our current membership (as of January, 2007) is over 50 families. We have a hospital visit rotation schedule, a fundraiser committee, an annual Christmas Party for the children, a newsletter, special activities throughout the year, and much more in the works! We are all one big HEART FAMILY and we would whole heartedly welcome you as a part of our support group. All you have to do is fill out the form on the "Becoming A Member" page of this website and someone will be in contact with you to answer your questions and offer support.
If you come across a special poem, a "tidbit", or a story you want to share on this page, feel free to submit it to: MercyHeartKids@aol.com. This page is dedicated to share the Bits & Pieces of our hearts with others for purposes of uplifting and support to one another.
