Today is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day. A former patient (and now friend) of mine and her husband lost their second child to this disorder in 2010, when he was just 2 days old.
CDH occurs when there diaphragm does not close completely during fetal development, and the abdominal contents can move through the opening and into the chest, preventing development of the lung. There are varying degrees of the disorder, and occurs in about 1 out of every 2500 births. Surgery can be done to correct the milder forms, but about 50% of infants with the disorder die.
Eli's parents have bravely turned their heart-breaking loss into something positive, by raising awareness about the disorder. They have created "Eli's Angel Hands," a not-for-profit organization that makes "care packages" for intensive care nursery families, with items such as chapstick, kleenex, hand sanitizer, pens, notepads, lotion, etc. They also make scrapbooks for the families of babies with CDH.
Today the organization held a "work day" to assemble care packages and work on the scrapbooks. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the work day, but I was there in spirit.
I made these special treats and delivered them to Eli's mom yesterday, to share among the work day friends... "Hugs and Kisses" for Eli.
This family has a very special place in my heart and I am committed to help with product and monetary donations to "Eli's Angel Hands."
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