Creating Awareness about Heart Disease

Floor Speech

CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT HEART DISEASE -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 13, 2009)

Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, In an effort to create awareness about an issue that hits close to home, I want to share with you that February 7-14th is National Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.

It is a little known fact that the number of children affected by heart disease is higher than those affected by Autism or Down Syndrome. According to the March of Dimes, congenital heart defect is the number one birth defect. In the U.S. alone, more than 25,000 babies are born each year with a defect, many of which are undetected and life threatening.

Chances are that you or someone you know, including my family, has been affected by a similar circumstance. Although it is a difficult and fearful process, there are a lot of families in our community who have been through it and are willing to offer their support. In South Florida, we are fortunate to have the Holtz Children's Hospital, where our son Cristian was treated for a serious heart condition, among other incredible hospitals. While good medical care is critical, it is also important to have a strong support group. Hospitals often offer guidance in getting families in touch, and there is also the Angel's Pediatric Heart House, which focuses on helping the entire family cope with the diagnosis. Families affected by heart disease do not have to feel alone, because they are not.

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