Fontan Rehabilitation, Wellness, Activity and Resilience Development (FORWARD) Program
![Father holding his smiling daughter](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_1100x733_1x/public/2024-08/hero-1400x600-cardiac-center-v03.jpg?h=8dacf952&itok=oc7Vx4Z2)
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.
-
Cardiac Center -
Cardiac Kids Developmental Follow-up Program -
Cardiothoracic Surgery -
Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology Laboratory -
Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes -
Division of GI, Hepatology and Nutrition -
Fetal Heart Program -
Heart Failure and Transplant Program -
Immunology Program -
Infant Single Ventricle Monitoring Program -
Center for Lymphatic Disorders -
Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center
![Two young patients making heart shapes with their hands](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-CARD-HeartSymbol-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=t7kTRiQa)
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.
![Physician walking down a hallway with her patient](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-CARD-SamadDoctorShah-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=Il3tAyad)
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.
![Father and son smiling together looking at a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-PatientResources-Father-Son-Laptop-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=yK4m4ZfQ)
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.
![Doctor and patient smiling together](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-WhatExpect-Doctor-Hugging-Young-Patient-2624x1720-01.jpg?itok=u89tml0r)
Preparing for your appointment
Learn about what to expect when scheduling an appointment with the FORWARD Program and about your visit.
Your donation changes lives
Every donation helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.
![Mother and son smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-Donate-Mother-Hugging-Son-Patient-Ares-2624x1720-v01.jpg?h=26a2db72&itok=HWeHsHEa)