Somewhere Over the Rainbow babies born with congenital heart defects will survive and thrive
1 out of every 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. CHD is considered the most common birth defect, and is the leading cause of birth-defect related deaths worldwide, according to the Congenital Heart Information Network. February 7-14th is congenital heart defect (CHD) awareness week. To raise awareness for CHD, Tommy Riles, from the wonderful multimedia dads network Life of Dad, made the video below of fathers singing with their children and their doctors and nurses. Approximately 1.8 million American families are affected by CHD, with an estimated 40,000 babies affected yearly. CHD awareness week aims to improve screening for early diagnosis, increase funding for support and educational and research services, and to ensure greater access to quality care for children and adults. Tearjerker alert.
Thanks to Tommy Riles and Life of Dad, where this video first appeared, and to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Boston Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Heart Center of Rhode Island, and to the families affected by CHD.