Heart Defects Society of Windsor and Essex County

History of the Heart Defects Society
Our Humble Beginnings

The Heart Defects Society was the brainstorm of three adults with heart defects. Francine Bryar was a member of an online community of adults with CHD, and parents of children with CHD who wanted to create a day for heart defect awareness. Francine approached the City Council in Windsor, and as a result was interviewed by CBC television.

Melissa Trothen met with Francine early in February 2000 as a result of this interview. Claudette Dugas was known to the CBC reporter because of previous interviews that she had done with the CBC. The Birth of the Heart Defects Society

Because all three women had never known anyone else with heart defects while growing up, they all felt disconnected from their peers and isolated. A bond formed quickly, and the sense of isolation was relieved. The feeling was so powerful, that they wanted to share this with others. They wanted to bring this feeling to other adults living with heart defects, and especially for the younger kids, whom, if they were introduced to other kids with CHD would never know the isolation that the founders felt growing up. After two months of meetings and planning, the paperwork was started to incorporate a charity. On June 23, 2000, the Heart Defects Society of Windsor and Essex County officially became a incorporated charity in the Province of Ontario.