Episode 89: Janee Chandler - Ebstein’s Anomaly
Janee who lives with Ebstein's Anomaly, a rare congenital heart defect that has shaped every stage of her life. Diagnosed at birth and undergoing open-heart surgery at just seven years old, Janee shares the physical realities of living with arrhythmias, repeated hospital admissions, and the possibility of needing a heart transplant in the future. Yet throughout our conversation, what stands out most is not the medical complexity, but her remarkable resilience and positivity.
Janee reflects openly on growing up feeling different, hiding her surgical scar, and believing she had to keep her condition to herself. She explains how finding the congenital heart disease (CHD) community transformed her self-confidence, helping her realise she was not alone. That journey eventually inspired her to create The Heart Connection, a non-profit supporting adults living with congenital heart disease through practical care packages and a growing community of understanding.
This episode explores identity, belonging, fear, hope, and the extraordinary impact of finding people who truly understand your experience. Janee's warmth, honesty and determination shine throughout, making this an inspiring conversation about turning personal challenges into support for others.
The song that Janee chose is I Lived by OneRepublic.
