Elijah's Journey: Embracing Identity, Culture, and Confidence as a Young Adult with CHD

In this episode of From the Heart, Elijah, a proud Kamilaroi/Wiradjuri man, shares his remarkable journey living with childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) with our host, Tahnee Jash. Elijah, now 24, works as an Indigenous Liaison Officer for the Department of Infrastructure in Meanjin (Brisbane). Diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with VSD at birth, Elijah has faced numerous challenges and undergone several surgeries, including a significant operation two years ago to replace three leaking valves.Join us as Elijah discusses the physical and emotional aspects of growing up with a heart condition, his experiences transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare, and the critical support systems that helped him along the way. He also shares his unique perspective on health, his strong connection to his Aboriginal heritage, and his aspirations to be a leader and advocate for Aboriginal people.This episode showcases resilience, the importance of self-care and the power of family support.