This week, a gathering of ladies from my little church got together for "CHD Awareness Week." We wanted to celebrate the nephew of our fellow church member, a sweet little guy named Thomas Campbell Fawcett. Diagnosed prenatally with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, he was born June 10, 2011.His journey as a CHD warrior has been a rough and bumpy ride, but he's going strong today. He has overcome some huge hurdles and stands out as one tough cookie in the CHD world. We were able to meet Cam, his big sister Maggie and his mommy as they were traveling through on their way back to North Carolina after a day-full of doctor visits at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The gathering was an opportunity for myself and other CHD Mothers to share their child's story. We also collected supplies and donations for care packages for Sisters By Heart, in honor of Cam.
(Thank you everyone, for your care, time, and generosity!)
The reason I'm writing is to share the news that the event continues...and it is open to everyone! Please consider joining us in supporting "heart babies" and their families.
~Caring for Little Hearts During American Heart Month~
How to Participate:
You can donate items needed for care bags. If you live in Harrisonburg, you can give your donation to the person who shared this event with you (they will in turn get it to me for distribution). Items can also be mailed directly to the organization. Follow the links below to learn what special items you can provide.
You can donate $5, $10 or $25 to:
Sisters By Heart:
http://
Sisters by Heart supports families newly diagnosed hypoplastic left heart syndrome, "one precious heart at a time." A major aspect of their mission is to send care packages to new mothers (and fathers) who are at the beginning of their journey."We want them to know that they are not alone and provide resources and understanding while their child undergoes care and treatment from birth throughout recovery or their first surgery."
ABOUT CHDs:
A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a structural problem of the heart
that occurs in the first seven weeks following conception.
CHDs are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 1 in 125 babies born, according to the March of Dimes.
To date, doctors don't know the cause of the majority of congenital heart defects
Learn more: Overview with Illustrationsthat occurs in the first seven weeks following conception.
CHDs are the most common type of birth defect, affecting 1 in 125 babies born, according to the March of Dimes.
To date, doctors don't know the cause of the majority of congenital heart defects
Feature Story of a day in the life of a Pediatric Heart Surgeon: http://
Please, take a moment to read about the children our gathering represented. Consider participating and supporting two wonderful organizations, Sisters By Heart. Please spread the word and share this event and help care for little hearts during American Heart Month.
Thank you for participating in CHD Awareness Week!
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One last item: I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the "lia sophia" fundraiser. I was so pleased to be able kick of "Heart Month" with such a successful and fun event - we raised $202 while adding some lovely jewelry to our collections. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your pieces and maybe are inspired, when you are complimented, as of course you will be (their jewelry IS really beautiful) to share that you purchased it at a fundraiser and in memory of Gwen. Thank you Jessie and Erin for organizing and for your generous donations!
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