About Us

Founder of Help4Hearts: Allison B. Teger, M.Ed., LMHC As a child born with Congenital Heart Disease(CHD), I experienced many challenges and opportunities for improvement. One of the challenges growing-up, was working with medical professionals who didn't quite know how to talk with me or support me. In retrospect, the discussions were mostly about medical needs. There was little understanding of the mental health needs of a patient traumatized by the impending yearly checkups and invariable discussions of when would be the best time for surgery, and no words of wisdom for someone so easily labeled as an outsider at school when I couldn't participate in certain sports. Aside from a few pediatric specialists and one cardiologist, there weren't many who understood the implications of a congenital heart defect in adulthood. Additionally, many did not understand the possible complications of certain heart medications, when a patient like me is also asthmatic. At the time, I didn't know all of this, I merely longed for a way to help people with CHD, to make the patient experience better at all ages. And most importantly to feel a sense of belonging or having a group that could understand what I was also experiencing. With that in mind, I began my college road into psychology/sociology. Later I continued my studies to include receiving a Masters degree in Education, and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Additionally, I completed specialties in both trauma and family issues so that I could assist others with CHD. I've recently been able to take many of my earlier experiences and revisit them in a new light, as I performed more and more research on congenital heart defects. As a result of the planning and preparation, my recent open heart surgery (at Mayo Clinic/St Mary’s hospital in Rochester MN) was an incredibly positive experience, so juxtaposed from that of my childhood. I was able to communicate effectively with the doctors and medical team, and my one-on-one contact with the nurses and the staff allowed me to rethink how medical services could be applied for all patients. As a result my parents and I have become even more involved in addressing the integration of technology into the home for patients needing care remotely. (To see a recent article on healthcare- http://broadbandhomecentral.com) Since the surgery, I've been even more interested in turning my passion for helping other heart patients, into a reality. There is a need for clear preparation before and after surgery, as well as general education of all heart patients. I've also become a significant advocate, bringing about a local proclamation with the mayor to observe Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, as well as a state proclamation. I've met with local leaders, Senators and Representatives from Washington, DC on heart health issues. I was recently selected as a Spokesperson for Womenheart, to help educate women with heart disease and their family members. I've also been involved with ACHA, to advocate for congenital heart issues. My goal with Help4Hearts is to help patients who are going thru the same ordeals I went through (and their families), and to provide you with the information from my research and experience. If you have more questions, please contact me.