Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defects are the most frequently occurring birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide; and
WHEREAS, over a million families across America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with Congenital Heart Defects; and
WHEREAS, every year 40,000 babies are born in the United States with Congenital Heart Defects; and
WHEREAS, some Congenital Heart Defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth; and
WHEREAS, undiagnosed Congenital Heart conditions cause many cases of sudden cardiac death in young athletes; and
WHEREAS, increased public awareness of congenital heart defects can result in improved early diagnosis, and access to quality care; and
WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, and to honor dedicated health professionals; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize February 7-14, 2010, as CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.