Dear Family and Friends:

A little more than 6 years ago, we broke into a circle that we didn’t know existed.  And you—whether you knew it or not—came along with us.  That circle is comprised of individuals and families around the world affected daily by Congenital Heart Defects and Diseases (CHDs).  Shay, born with a life-threatening group of heart defects called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, came into this world a fighter, pushing herself since the beginning.  We’ve watched her struggle more than any parent should have to witness, and endure more than any child should have to bear.  Through it all Shay remains a normal, happy, sassy little girl (or princess, as she prefers!)

Some of you have been with us on this journey since the beginning.  Others are new friends who have seen Shay at her best.  Life is good for us now.  Shay is doing well in every way.  But, six years ago, we needed to join with other CHD families for information, guidance and support.  One group has provided all of this for us—the Congenital Heart Information Network.  Even though nearly 40,000 babies are born yearly in the U.S. with a CHD, when you learn one of those babies is yours you feel alone.  C.H.I.N. enabled us to get through many difficult times with hope.

But C.H.I.N. also provides financial support for food, travel, lodging and other expenses faced by the many families who must go far from home to get the best care for their child.  C.H.I.N. is a leader in raising awareness about CHDs.  Some of the most severe and complex CHDs, such as Shay’s, continue to go undiagnosed, even when the infant or child is displaying warning signs.  The result is brain injury or even death.  There is no known way to prevent CHDs, there is no newborn screening for CHDs, but C.H.I.N. is trying to raise awareness about the warning signs to help prevent late diagnosis.

We are asking you to help C.H.I.N. because it is an organization we believe in; we have seen first hand how it helps families.  C.H.I.N. is ready to help, but it first needs our help financially to be able to make a significant impact.  Please consider making a donation on Shay’s page.  Or, please take a moment to learn more about CHDs and C.H.I.N. by visiting its web site at www.tchin.org.

Our four children have given us a profound understanding of how precarious life can be, how blessed we have been by those in our lives, and how God truly walks with us if we reach for His hand.  Thank you for being part of our circle.

Anne Gammon

As those close to our family know, Simon was born with a congenital heart defect that was repaired by open heart surgery when he was 9 months old. What you may not know is how much support we received from the Congenital Heart Information Network in communicating with other parents who had been through the same experience and selecting the best doctors and hospitals to perform a delicate and life-saving procedure. John and I truly believe that talking with and gathering information from other parents was crucial in helping us make the best possible decisions on Simon's care, and that it has significantly contributed to the positive outcome he has experienced.

February 14, Valentine's Day, is also Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. I am asking my friends and family to consider contributing to Simon's fundraising campaign on behalf of the Congenital Heart Information Network.

Please consider making this contribution for Simon's 4th birthday on March 12. Simon has many toys and plenty of clothing already, and John and I want to begin teaching him about the value of charitable work. Making all or at least part of Simon's birthday present a contribution to this wonderful organization is one of the best gifts you could give him. Please be a part of helping us teach him the importance of human interconnectedness and that it is as important to give as to receive.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Congenital Heart Information Network

Laurie Young