Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharde Plater.
Hi Sharde, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey began after receiving devastating news on April 15, 2022, that our three-month-old daughter Janiyah had been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, a severe congenital heart defect. Coarctation is characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that leads from the heart. Janiyah was airlifted to Ochsner’s Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where she underwent heart surgery and spent three weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, followed by a nearly month-long hospital stay. This experience inspired us to educate ourselves and others about coarctation of the aorta and other congenital heart defects. In October 2022, we founded the Janiyah Strong Foundation to support families affected by congenital heart disease. The foundation’s mission is to combat congenital heart disease through education, awareness, support, and share God’s goodness. To date, the foundation has provided support to 13 families while their children were hospitalized through our last three Red Out for Congenital Heart Disease Gala events, donated a magnitude of toys to children in hospitals at Ochsners Hospital for Children in New Orleans, Childrens Hospital in Dallas, and Ochsner Pediatric Cardiology Specialty Department in Shreveport via our annual Toy Drive, Walk It Out for Congenital Heart Disease Fashion Show, and conducted Awareness Classes and CPR training sessions. We firmly believe that without a test there would be no testimony! God has made it all possible!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our journey was not without its challenges, but we laid the foundation for this organization because God placed the vision on our hearts, even in the midst of our own personal struggles. We navigated numerous obstacles, including stress, anxiety, fear, and financial concerns, yet I can confidently declare that God remained our constant source of strength, and resource. While the path was not easy, it was ultimately rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With a multifaceted career as a serial entrepreneur, I have established myself as a licensed cosmetologist, event decorator, aficionado of all things decor with more in the works
My background also includes modeling. However, my top priorities of all of are my roles as a devoted wife and mother, with my faith in God and family serving as my primary motivators.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood recollection is the countless hours I spent playing basketball and tinkering with old cars alongside my dad.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: The Janiyah Strong Foundation
- Facebook: The Janiyah Strong Foundation
- Website: www.janiyahstrong.org
Image Credits
Figaro Photography LLC
CEO Photography
