Friend
I am not a mother or even a relative of a child with a Congenital Heart Defect, however, I became aware of it through an acquaintance. I went to school with Shannon Carter, the mother of Derrick Carter, who was born with something similar to HLHS, and I have kept up with the progress of him since they found out he would be born with a heart defect. I have also followed the updates they have posted on his Care Page since he was born religiously. His story is truly inspiring and it has been one where I have found myself reading updates and crying or laughing depending on what is happening with him. He is a remarkable baby and has made great strides in growing and surviving in the few months he has been on this earth. Working in a hospital with one of the top NICUs in the state of South Carolina, I am exposed to sick babies and see more than my share of sickness. In order for there to be a future generation, we have to take care of our babies and do the research to make sure the things affecting them can be cured or fixed in some way so they can live long, healthy and happy lives. My eyes have forever been opened to Congenital Heart Defects in a way I never thought they would through a child that has made more of a difference in people's lives in the few months of his life than some people make in their entire lives. I am begging and pleading for the research to be done on Congenital Heart Defects and more people be made aware of them. Too many people are not aware of the lack of research and aren't aware something needs to be done, that the research needs to be done and that money needs to be raised to help with all of this. Donate to the research and save the life of one baby in one hundred, it could be your own baby, grandchild, niece, nephew or friend one day.
Sincerely,
Kim Eargle