In years past I have done numerous different posts during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week to promote awareness and this year is no different – though I am giving more of a shout out to a fellow mom who has an amazing line-up of guest posters this week as other heart moms guest post and talk about their heart miracles (I’m one of them – on the 11th). I think she even has a survivor slotted to guest post, and a cool give away too – so be sure to check out her 7 Hearts for 7 Days blogging event. Oh, and if you swing by to check out her awesome blog (and I really hope you do) be sure to drop a comment and mention that I referred you – please, please :-D.
We are coming up on our 5 year anniversary! Five years ago I knew nothing about congenital heart defects, I certainly didn’t know they were the number one birth defect. I’ve learned a lot since then and met a lot of amazing people from the wonderful doctors and nurses who helped save Jacob’s life to wonderful parents and children who inspire and uplift me daily.
Since it is awareness week I wanted to post 7 CHD Statistcis followed by a few links to some of my favorite CHD Awareness Week posts from the past:
1. Congenital heart defects are America’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD.
2. Congenital heart defects occur frequently and are often life threatening, yet research into them is grossly under funded.
3. More than 50% of all children born with a congenital heart defect will require at least one invasive surgery in their lifetime.
4. Congenital heart defects are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths.
5. There are 35 different types of congenital heart defects. Little is known about the cause of most them. There is not yet a cure for any of them.
6. This year almost 40,000 babies will be born with a congenital heart defect. 4,000 of them will not live to see their first birthday.
7. In the last decade death rates for congenital heart defects have declined by almost 30% due to advances made through research.
Jacob’s Story (it’s long – the short version will be in my guest post on the 11th)
7 Strangers Who Saved My Son’s Life
7 Ways CHD Has Changed My Life
7 Frequently Asked Questions
7 Ways You Can Help
Fun and Flawed 
Thank you for the shout out – but it is I who is grateful for you! Without Mom’s like you, willing to share their story, the rest of us would be lost.
My favorite statistic is number 7 – research for CHD’s really is worth it!