Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) occurs when a baby’s diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth; and

WHEREAS, one in every 2,500 pregnancies is diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); and

WHEREAS, there are many individuals living in Virginia who have been diagnosed with and have survived their CDH; and

WHEREAS, many families in Virginia have endured the horrible pain and grief associated with the loss of a loved one with CDH; and

WHEREAS, CDH is as common as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis in children, and very few people are familiar with it; and

WHEREAS, children with CDH often endure multiple surgeries and possible medical complications beyond their diagnosis that include heart defects, pulmonary complications, gastric and intestinal problems, developmental delays, and may require respiratory and medicinal support for years; and

WHEREAS, raising awareness of this congenital defect will help bring about acceptance and support for those suffering with it and will help advocate for urgently needed medical research and advances;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2023, as CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations