Hi, my name is Dafni, and I was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Shortly after I was born, I underwent open-heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). My surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Spray. My cardiologist, Dr. Meryl Cohen, along with an incredible team of nurses, doctors, and staff, cared for me every step of the way. Because of them, I am here today, healthy, growing, and thriving.
I created this website as part of a school research project, but it is also deeply personal to me. I know how overwhelming and frightening a TGA diagnosis can be for parents and caregivers, especially in those first uncertain days. My goal is to provide clear, calm, and reliable information, along with emotional support and resources, so families do not feel as lost or alone as they might otherwise.
As part of this project, I am studying how a TGA diagnosis emotionally impacts parents and caregivers. The goal is to create a digital support toolkit that reflects real experiences and real needs. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with TGA, whether diagnosed prenatally or after birth, your story matters. Your insight helps shape resources that can truly support families facing this journey.
Looking ahead, I plan to study nursing after high school. I hope to one day work with kids who have experiences similar to mine.
Thank you for being here and for taking the time to visit my site. I hope this space offers you guidance, reassurance, and hope when you need it most. Use the top navigation bar to explore the website. You can find additional information about TGA, treatment options, and common questions in the FAQ section. The FAQ section is based on survey responses from parents who have navigated a TGA diagnosis and shared what information would have better prepared them.