[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 15 (Monday, February 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS (CHD)

                                 ______
                                 

                          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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