CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS (CHD) -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 14, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. JAMES P. MORAN
OF VIRGINIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2005
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because February brings to mind a time of year dedicated to hearts in the form of chocolates, cards, candies and sweet mementoes. Very little attention, however, is given to the health and the condition of the actual heart these candies and mementoes symbolize: the human heart of a loved one. It is imperative that we pause during this season to recognize the importance of cardiac health in our children, families, and loved ones.
There are nearly one million adults and children living with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) in the United States alone, and his number continues to rise as nearly 40,000 children are diagnosed each year. Despite these figures, very little recognition is given to the victims and families of those suffering from CHD. Many of the children born with CHD are not diagnosed until days or even months after birth. This lack of detection endangers those who live without knowledge of their illness.
Among the many infants affected, the symptoms drastically range in severity and medical costs. Some children are barely affected by their defect, requiring nothing more than occasional monitoring. However, there are also families placed under the heavy emotional and financial burden of a severe heart defect that requires lifelong medical attention. The cost of multiple open heart surgeries, drugs, and raised insurance premiums becomes a special problem for low income families. Numerous organizations provide these families with support and financial aid to protect their loved ones, but these groups are only able to help a small percentage of people due to the lack of national recognition of CHD.
Raising a national consciousness about the defects and their effects will provide hope and comfort for those who have struggled with heart defects. Jeanne Imperati, the loving mother of a child with a heart defect, had the foresight in 1999 to begin a campaign focused on spreading awareness through a Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day on February 14. On a day already dedicated to hearts, it is a simple and meaningful endeavor to remind the nation of this worthwhile cause. More attention can be given to the regularity of the defects and research about their possible cause. Creating a network of informed people throughout the nation is a simple way to provide support for survivors and their families.
While we go about the tradition of honoring loved ones this Valentine's Day, let's also give our support to those affected by Congenital Heart Defects and their cause. Awareness is the first step toward saving lives and protecting those whom we love.
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