1 in 100 children are born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)! Decades of RESEARCH has led to huge improvements in therapies and outcomes for children with CHD. In the past 20 years death rates from CHD have dropped by over 35% thanks to the knowledge gained from research. But despite these leaps forward, there is still much to learn about how to prevent and best treat heart disease in children.
I’m passionate about CHD research from both a personal and professional perspective. As a pediatric cardiac intensivist, I have had the privilege to know and care for many children with CHD. These kids and their families are so strong and courageous and are a daily inspiration. On a personal level, almost 7 years ago my Goddaughter Audrey was born with CHD. She has had 3 open heart surgeries and several other procedures, yet through all of these challenges she is strong, sweet, and shining with a smile that melts your heart. I am running the NYC marathon in honor of Audrey and ALL heart warriors and angels with the hope that ongoing research funded by the Children’s Heart Foundation and others will provide a future of ever-improving care for kids (and adults!) and CHD.