Siblings of a Truncus Arteriosus Sister

Jeff is the oldest of three siblings, born in 1977, and the only son to Chris and Jeff Sr. Jeff was just over 4 years old, when Jennifer was born with a congenital heart defect. Growing up, he was responsible for walking Jennifer to the school they both attended and babysitting both sisters. He enjoyed playing most sports, especially hockey, which he still plays.

Jessica Weiner, at 32, is the heart-healthy, youngest of three siblings.  Jessica’s sister, Jennifer, was born with Truncus Arteriosus in 1982. Jessica was not yet born when her sister had her first surgery. However, the two siblings, who shared a room growing up, are quite close; Jessica often takes on the role of secondary caregiver to her older sister.

Join us today as we talk with these siblings about what it's like to grow up with a sibling with a congenital heart defect, how her heart defect and hospitalizations affected their lives and what it meant to Jeff once he decided to start a family of his own.