Friday, February 13, 2009

CHD Awareness Week Feb-7-14 ( Foto Finish Friday)


Chloe's first Picture 11/22/2006

Chloe Today 02/13/2009

So today for my Foto Finish Friday it isn't going to be my traditional post. This is something that is very important to our family as well as friends. Something that will touch every American in the United States at some point in time in your life.

I can promise you that at some point you have stood in line next to someone at the bank, or the mall. Really anywhere for that matter that has a Congenital Heart Defect.

Our special Children with even more special hearts are born every day. They come from all backgrounds in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Today is the second to the last day of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Tomorrow is Valentines Days a day that is celebrated by all. Our house we celebrate the fact that our baby who was born with a very special heart. She is one of the lucky ones who to this day has not had any problems who's heart remains special and full of holes. So many lives are lost each and every day babies just like Chloe with Special hearts.

Take a moment and pray for all our special babies and their special hearts today and tomorrow on this national heart day.
Don't forget to check out Candid Carrie for other Foto Finish Friday participants!
Until Next Time,
Heart MOM
PS. Here is an article I found on CHD Awareness please check it out!


(Philadelphia, PA) - Valentine's Day and hearts are eternally linked. A group of dedicated parents, patients, family members and friends, along with doctors, nurses and social workers are hoping an annual "heart" holiday will help them raise awareness about the most common birth defect in the United States–congenital heart defects.
State and local government officials will proclaim Feb. 7-14, 2009 as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week."
Jeanne Imperati of Connecticut, herself the mother of a child with a congenital heart defect, in 1999 conceived the idea for an annual awareness day to reduce childhood deaths, and increase funding to support congenital heart defect related causes and cures.
An estimated one in every 100 children born in the United States each year have a malformed heart, making it the most common birth defect. "Few people realize more babies are born with congenital heart defects – approximately 40,000 – than with Spina Bifida, Down's syndrome and hearing loss. Yet, heart defects are sometimes overlooked and not routinely diagnosed in newborns."
"An untold number of children and young adults are put at risk each year due to a lack of early screening for heart defects and childhood onset heart disease," said Mona Barmash of Philadelphia, Penn., the founder of the Congenital Heart Information Network (CHIN), which sponsors the national awareness day.
C.H.I.N. (tchin.org) was launched in 1996 as an international non-profit organization that provides reliable information, support services and resources to families of children with congenital and acquired heart disease, adults with congenital heart defects, and the professionals who work with them. The all-volunteer member-supported organization publishes http://www.tchin.org/, which receives thousands of visitors from throughout the world every day.
"Valentine's Day is the perfect time to bring families, health professionals, and local organizations together, and to draw attention to the needs of the congenital heart community," said Barmash, who is the mother of a young adult with complex CHD. "For parents and families of kids and adults with heart defects, February 14th means hope and remembrance.
Local coordinators nationwide are planning activities in recognition of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week 2009. For more information on what's happening visit http://tchin.org/aware/index.htm, or call (215) 627-4034.

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Very special indeed! That is one beautiful girl!

My dad had a degenerative heart defect, and after many surgeries and therapy, it's brought him to the ripe ole age of 60 and , hopefully, many more years to come. We are eternally grateful!

You're in my thoughts and prayers!

Teri said...

Thank you so much for sharing this info. What a wonderful message to keep with us especially on Valentine's Day, the day of love.

Your little angel sweetie is beautiful!

Swirl Girl said...

thanks for reminding us that a broken heart is not just a thing of romance novels and romantic comedy films.

Glenda, saved by grace said...

What a special little girl with a wonderful little heart!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful little girl!!
Positive thought are sent your way with best wishes.

Ann On and On... said...

That was a very special post. I appreciate people like you sharing your experience/story. You have a brave little (very cute) girl, with special parents. Education is the key to awareness. I will pray for her and all the others with degenerative heart defect. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

God bless you and her - she's so sweet! :)