Dear Editor:
As you sit down on this Valentine’s Day sharing your paper hearts and candy hearts, please take time to remember a very special heart; the Heart of a Child. Governor Whitman has signed a proclamation declaring February 14, 2001, a Day for Hearts-Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. Every year an estimated 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart defects.
Some CHD’s may not require treatment other than periodic visits to a Pediatric Cardiologist. Others can be treated with medications or repaired with surgery. Complex defects may require several surgeries and are never really cured.
Last year, my daughter Gina was just one of the many requiring open heart surgery. We were fortunate enough that my blood turned out to be a match and was used for the two transfusions she required.
You can help other children by taking the time to donate your much needed blood. Please contact your local blood center today to set up an appointment. You may be helping to save a precious tiny heart.
Carmela Fayazi