[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT HEART DISEASE

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, In an effort to 
create awareness about an issue that hits close to home, I want to 
share with you that February 7-14th is National Congenital Heart Defect 
Awareness Week.
  It is a little known fact that the number of children affected by 
heart disease is higher than those affected by Autism or Down Syndrome. 
According to the March of Dimes, congenital heart defect is the number 
one birth defect. In the U.S. alone, more than 25,000 babies are born 
each year with a defect, many of which are undetected and life 
threatening.
  Chances are that you or someone you know, including my family, has 
been affected by a similar circumstance. Although it is a difficult and 
fearful process, there are a lot of families in our community who have 
been through it and are willing to offer their support. In South 
Florida, we are fortunate to have the Holtz Children's Hospital, where 
our son Cristian was treated for a serious heart condition, among other 
incredible hospitals. While good medical care is critical, it is also 
important to have a strong support group. Hospitals often offer 
guidance in getting families in touch, and there is also the Angel's 
Pediatric Heart House, which focuses on helping the entire family cope 
with the diagnosis. Families affected by heart disease do not have to 
feel alone, because they are not.

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