Heart Anthology
Ella's Umbrella Presents · Heart Anthology
Every heart has a story. Yours matters.
A heart condition can change so much more than a medical chart. We're bringing together voices from across the heart community to share the experiences, perspectives, and lessons that deserve to be heard.
We're inviting approximately 25 contributors to help create a book that builds understanding, sparks connection, and reminds people facing similar experiences that they're not alone.
Applications close November 11, 2026.
About the Project
What the medical chart doesn't show.
A heart condition is rarely just a medical diagnosis. It can shape identity, relationships, mental health, family dynamics, grief, and the future in ways others may never see.
This anthology will bring together short, personal chapters from people who have experienced those realities from different perspectives.
We want authors to share the experience that shaped them—but to focus especially on what they wish others understood, how the experience changed them, and what they've learned or carried forward.
Our hope is that these stories broaden understanding of the heart community and help readers feel seen, informed, and connected.
Whose Stories Are We Looking For?
There isn't just one kind of heart story.
We hope to represent the many ways heart conditions affect individuals, families, relationships, and communities. Here are a few perspectives we're interested in exploring.
Living with CHD
Growing up with congenital heart disease, navigating identity, or moving into adulthood with a heart condition.
Parenting a Heart Child
The decisions, fears, joys, and realities that come with caring for a child with a heart condition.
Loss and Grief
Losing someone to congenital heart disease or sudden cardiac arrest, and living with what follows.
Advanced Care
Experiences with transplants, complex treatment, close calls, or medical trauma.
Advocacy
Working to improve awareness, medical care, policy, research, or support for heart families.
Relationships and Well-Being
The impact of a diagnosis on mental health, marriage, family dynamics, friendships, and community.
These are examples, not an exhaustive list. Your perspective may fit somewhere else—and still belong in this conversation.
Why Participate?
Your experience could make a difference.
You don't have to write an entire book to become part of something meaningful. One chapter can reach someone who needs to hear what you've learned.
Help someone feel less alone
Offer a perspective that helps people in similar circumstances feel understood.
Turn experience into impact
Share hard-earned insights that can inform, encourage, or empower others.
Be part of a community of authors
Connect your voice with others who care about greater understanding of heart conditions.
Support a mission that matters
Proceeds from the book will support Ella's Umbrella and its work to keep kids' hearts beating.
The Details
What does participation involve?
Ella's Umbrella is coordinating the project and providing publishing support. Here's what selected contributors can expect.
What You'll Contribute
- One personal chapter of 1,500–2,000 words
- Your experience and perspective, with emphasis on insight and what you've carried forward
- Participation in the writing and editing process
What Ella's Umbrella Provides
- Developmental editing
- Up to two hours of writing coaching per author
- Cover and interior design
- Proofreading and publishing administration
- Book copies available to authors at a 25% discount
Publishing Costs & Voluntary Donations
We anticipate approximately $7,500 in publishing costs, including editing, writing coaching, design, proofreading, and production. To help offset these costs, we're inviting each contributing author to make a voluntary donation at a level that feels reasonable for them. There is no set amount or minimum, and Ella's Umbrella will cover the remainder.
Every story matters, and finances should never be a barrier to sharing it.
Voluntary donations to Ella's Umbrella may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Project Timeline
From application to publication.
The planned milestones below provide an overview. Detailed manuscript deadlines will be shared with selected authors.
Applications Due
Submit your application to be considered as a contributing author.
Author Selection
Author selections are scheduled to be finalized.
Writing & Production
Coaching, drafts, editing, cover and interior design, proofreading, and pre-launch activities.
Book Launch
Our target is to share the finished anthology with the community.
Good to Know
A few more things you may be wondering.
What if I'm not an experienced author?
Selected contributors will receive developmental editing and have access to up to two hours of writing coaching to help shape their chapters.
Is a donation required to participate?
No. We invite authors to give what they comfortably can toward publishing costs, but there is no required amount. Ella's Umbrella will cover the remaining expenses, and your ability to donate will not prevent you from sharing your story. Authors may purchase copies of the book at a 25% discount.
Does my story need to fit one of the topics above?
No. Those topics are starting points, and the project is intentionally bringing together different perspectives from the heart community.
What happens to the book's proceeds?
Proceeds will support Ella's Umbrella, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping kids' hearts beating.
An Invitation to Share
Your voice belongs in the conversation.
You may never know exactly who needs to hear your story. But sharing it could help someone see their own experience in a new light.
Apply to Be an Author →Applications close November 11, 2026.