Several weeks ago, I wrote the Governor asking her to acknowledge the prevalence and impact that Congenital Heart Defects have on Arizona families. Much to my delight, I received a proclamation in the mail a few days ago.
This week, starting tomorrow (February 7th through February 14th) has been proclaimed Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.
The text of the proclamation is simple, yet significant:
"WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are the most frequently occurring birth defects and the leading cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide; and
WHEREAS, over a million families across America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with congenital heart defects; and
WHEREAS, every year 40,000 babies are born in the United States with congenital heart defects; and
WHEREAS, some congenital heart defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth, causing many cases of sudden cardiac death in young athletes who have not been diagnosed with congenital heart conditions; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, there were 2,783 hospital admissions in Arizona of infants with congenital heart disorders; and their hospital charges amounted to $449 million; and
WHEREAS, despite these statistics, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects, with a disproportionately small amount of funding available for congenital heart defect research, parent/patient educational services and support; and
WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected by congenital heart defects to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to meet others and know they are not alone; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will also provide the opportunity to share experience and information with the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janice K. Brewer, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim February 7-14, 2012
* CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK*
and encourage all citizens to increase awareness, education and services for congenital heart defects, which each year affect thousands of babies in Arizona."
WHEREAS, in 2010, there were 2,783 hospital admissions in Arizona of infants with congenital heart disorders; and their hospital charges amounted to $449 million; and
WHEREAS, despite these statistics, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects, with a disproportionately small amount of funding available for congenital heart defect research, parent/patient educational services and support; and
WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected by congenital heart defects to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to meet others and know they are not alone; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will also provide the opportunity to share experience and information with the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janice K. Brewer, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim February 7-14, 2012
* CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK*
and encourage all citizens to increase awareness, education and services for congenital heart defects, which each year affect thousands of babies in Arizona."
And, for my Congenital Heart Defect "baby", who gives me new purpose and meaning...
I love you Zoe Madison and will fight the most stubborn of politicians so your voice can be heard!!!
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| Zoe, at the beginning of her battle with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome |
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| Zoe, today, half a heart and living well! |
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