Thursday, February 07, 2013

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

Lets be honest, Congenital Heart Defects are the pits. I remember the moment I learned I was part of the CHD world like it was yesterday. It was one of the hardest days of my life. I remember thinking, "Wow, this doctor is telling me it's not too late to terminate my baby, this must be very bad."
Unhappy with the lack of information the diagnostic doctor supplied, I immediately went online to scavenge for a shred of hope. And suddenly the thick fog of despair began to lift as I was able to connect with other heart moms and learn about their child's story.  Little did I know, the heart community would become a huge part of my life from that day on.
It wasn't long before I had researched Dr. Tony Azakie at UCSF and found that he/they had an amazing reputation dealing with children with CHD's, in particular Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  By this point I was down right optimistic!
Life with a CHD has had it's ups and downs. But then, no one is exempt from life's ups and downs, CHD or not! This week, my biggest hope is by spreading the word about CHD's maybe there is a pregnant mom out there who needs know just how sweet life with a CHD can be.  Maybe she has been given no hope.  By spreading awareness, by sharing Josh's story maybe she will be given a little hope.


2 comments:

Katie said...

Oh.my.goodness! I LOVE THIS! What a great idea (may have to steal this for Maddie's upcoming birthday:) What a darling boy...hearing his voice on this video is precious. Love your family. Love Joshua! What a wonderful way to spread hope!
Heart hugs!!!

Hetrick family said...

Your words made me tear up.
I love the strength and HOPE you have always had for Joshua.
He IS the best example of what a Mama's love, and a little hope, can do.