Cdh Awareness Day

On Monday March 31, 2008 is National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Day (CDH). CDH is when a baby is born with a hole in his or her diaphragm. The intestines, kidney, liver, stomach etc. squeezes through the hole and pushes and compresses the heart and lungs so they are severely damaged, weak and premature. Less then 50% of babies born with this condition survive. 1 out of every 2,000 babies in the US has CDH.

On August 21, 2006 my cousin and his wife had a son, Jacob, born with CDH. Jacob lived his entire 5 months 25 days in the NICU of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, he never got to go home. Jacob had countless surgeries to repair the damage, including a trech tube because his lungs stopped working on their own. My cousin and his wife and 4 year old daughter were unable to hold him until he was 4 months old because he was too sick. Although he was so sick he was always smiling and loved to be held. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He died on February 16, 2007.

PLEASE wear turquoise (the CDH color) for all the children who are born, live and die with CDH. Here is the main website for more information about CDH http://www.breathofhopeinc.com/

Here is a picture of Jacob, Our Little Engine That Could

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What an adorable little sweetheart. May your family find comfort in their memories and love!

Well, its CDH AWARENESS DAY!!!!! I've got a tee-shirt that says "I wear turquoise for my cousin", I have a pin that says CDH AWARENESS DAY on it and, a turquoise ribbon pin and a CDH AWARENESS wrist band. I think I have all the bases covered. Oh, I also got shirts for my 2 cats to wear that has CDH on it. If I come across you on the street today, I will tell you even more about CDH.

Today, please remember the children who are born with defects or who are sick. Also, thank God for the healthy children in your lives.

We love and miss you everyday Jakey!!!!!!!

I hope you are having fun with Grandma Donna and your new baby cousin (send her a hug and kiss for me untill she is here with us).

Although you only lived 6 months, and NEVER left the hospital, you were, and continue to be, a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew your story.

You will NEVER be forgotten.