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This week (Feb. 7-14) is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness week. I am not very familiar with CHD because Peanut's heart was healthy. However, my friend Melissa at Banana Migraine has a little girl who had this defect. She did a lovely post for CHD awareness week that I recommend you visit. I also recommend you stop by Gabi's World. Shannon has a wonderful piece on the birth and story or her daughter. You can also visit The CHD Blog for more information. I do not feel I could do this subject justice so I won't even try. However, I know there are many more parents out there that have experienced this with their child. I do not mean to leave you out and, I invite you to leave a comment about your journey or a link to a post and I will direct people to you. Having a child with Down syndrome is huge shock, however, what these parents had to go through with this additional issue is something I cannot fathom.
So here's a Bloggy Valentine. Since it's about time to share with our loved ones the candy and jewelry (a girl can hope, right?) and teddy bears, I think it's a great time to do a little bragging on our Bloggy Valentines. Let's have a string of posts about what your blogger friends have meant to you. Bloggy Valentines of mine (yeah, you know who you are :o), you mean the world to me!
~What has the DS blog community meant to you?
~What lessons have you learned?
~How did they encourage you?
~What are some of your favorite stories?
Because I post often about this, I don't know that there's much more to say. I'd just direct you to my DS Awareness Label. Two of my favorite posts are That Which Does Not Kill Us and Don't Be Sorry.
You don't have to tag anyone or name any names, unless you want to, of course. But let's spread some love. Brag on your Bloggy Valentines!
9 comments:
Lovely post! Thank you for help spread CHD Awareness! :)
Melissa -
Your welcome. I only wish I could do more. I have friends who have gone through this. I even watch a little girl who has had heart surgery. It's amazing how quickly they bounce back!
Thanks for the "heart"felt reminder. Happy had his last surgery in July and it's amazing how quickly life gets back to normal.
Kidzmama - Thank you for reminding me that CHD is not only found in children with Down syndrome but can happen to other children as well. I'm glad Happy is doing well!
Great post! And since you're one of my great reads I've got some bling for you.
So glad Peanut's heart is healthy. We're told repeatedly with Micah that it's quite rare in DS actually.
Karen,
Since I've not had a reason to familiarize myself with heart issues, I don't know if there are different types of defects. I thought heart problems with Down syndrome was common, but maybe it's only certain types. That surprises me that you have been told it's not that common.
Thanks for the bling. I need to come check it out!
Thanks so much Deb! I was just talking with my husband last night how the hardest part for me was when Gabi laid there during her surgery and I knew her heart was not beating. It was so frightening to wonder if they couldn't restart it.
And to answer your question, yes Jeremy reads Calvin and Hobbes and he likes that sick kind of humor. My mom asked him to make a snowman for her. So tomorrow when she opens the blog and sees his idea of a snowman. Oh my!
Oh and Deb you are right. Heart defects are common amoung DS. I believe the rate is approx 50%. Some cardiac defects are more common though. Gabi's heart defect is uncommon with DS although we know others with it, too.
Great post...Happy Bloggy Valentine!
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