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Fontan Rehabilitation, Wellness, Activity and Resilience Development (FORWARD) Program

Fontan Rehabilitation, Wellness, Activity and Resilience Development (FORWARD) Program

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The Fontan Rehabilitation, Wellness, Activity and Resilience Development (FORWARD) Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides specialized care, evaluation and ongoing monitoring to improve the quality and length of life for children and teens with single ventricle heart defects and Fontan circulation.

Our Fontan rehabilitation program offers:

  • Evaluation by experts across CHOP – all familiar with the unique needs of a Fontan circulation
  • Exercise, nutrition, social work and mental health consultations
  • Management of any complications
  • Personalized recommendations based on your child’s needs, in close partnership with the doctor who referred your family

We are international leaders in treating patients with single ventricle heart defects and have performed more than 1,700 Fontan procedures. Our expertise and experience ensure your child will receive the best possible care.

How we serve you

Part of one of the largest pediatric cardiac centers in North America, we offer a wide range of specialized programs and support services to meet your child's unique needs.

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Why choose us

We work closely with other world-class programs in CHOP's Cardiac Center and across the hospital. Multiple experts under one roof allows for better partnership between specialties and more personalized care for your child.

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Meet your team

Your child will be cared for by one of the most accomplished teams of pediatric cardiology experts in the world. Each member specializes in the long-term care and development of individuals with single ventricle heart defects and Fontan circulation. We make sure your child gets the highest level of care.

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FORWARD Program resources

We know that caring for a child with a heart condition can be stressful. To help you find answers to your questions and feel confident in the care you're providing your child, we’ve created this list of educational health resources.

Patient stories

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Preparing for your appointment

Learn about what to expect when scheduling an appointment with the FORWARD Program and about your visit.

Cardiac Connection Family Newsletter

Be among the first to know about our latest breakthroughs – big and small. Subscribe to receive Cardiac Connection, a special e-newsletter for families that includes: updates on our research and treatment advances, patient stories, profiles of our clinicians, news about special Cardiac Center events and much more!

Your donation changes lives

Every donation helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.

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