CHD Awareness Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Today has a double meaning for me when it comes to celebrating the heart. Not only is it Valentine's Day, it's also CHD Awareness Day.

I told you about CHD Awareness Week last Sunday, February 7, when it kicked off. Today wraps up the week, and is a day dedicated to promoting awareness of Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). It's a day to celebrate and honor those born with heart defects, children growing up with heart defects, adults living with CHDs, and family and friends who support their CHD Warrior.

CHDs don't get as much awareness as other health issues. But it's important to know about them and help support the cause. Doctors are working hard every day to come up with better solutions to helping CHD survivors live long, healthy lives. Although there is no cure for CHDs, there are surgeries, medications, therapies, and technology that can help us live those lives.

I ask you again to please join the cause and help support CHD Awareness Day. Thank you. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

CHD Awareness Week

Do you enjoy getting involved in causes? Well, I have a very special one for you.

Today kicks off CHD Awareness Week, a time to promote awareness and education about congenital heart defects (CHDs). CHDs affect nearly 1 in 100 births, and follow the infant through childhood into adulthood. There are many corrective procedures that can be done to help, and medications that can help as well, but anyone born with a CHD, like me, knows that there is no cure. It's something we have to live with every day of our lives.

I wrote My Open Heart several years ago to share my story of growing up with heart disease with adolescents who are dealing with one too. I wanted them to see that even though the road through life has many obstacles, they can be overcome, and you can achieve anything you put your heart and mind to.

Please join me in promoting CHD Awareness Week:

• Use #CHDAware in your posts
• Add a graphic
• Tell your own story

Together, we can make a difference.