Show your #hearts4hearts this February to support ICHF patients across the globe!
February is National Heart Awareness Month, and specifically Feb. 7 to 14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. We thank you for your support of ICHF patients and hope you will continue to make more life-saving surgeries possible in February by joining our #hearts4hearts campaign.
Waiyl Ali Ibrahem’s ICHF story
In addition to being born with Down Syndrome and Hypothyroidism, Waiyl Ali Ibrahem was diagnosed with Complete Atrioventricular Canal (CAVC) and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), causing the majority of his blood flow to go to his lungs instead of the rest of his body. This resulted in rapid breathing, making it difficult for him to eat, which led to his severe malnourishment.
At 7 months old, he had the same weight as some newborns and most 1-month-olds. Healthy babies should double their birth weight in the first 6 months of life (5-7 oz per week). Born full term weighing 7 lbs 4 oz (3.3 kg), he had only gained 1 lb 4 oz. Waiyl was a textbook example of what a congenital heart defect can do to the body when it is not repaired soon enough.
A team of ICHF volunteers and local hospital staff were able to perform a complete repair of his CAVC and PDA ligation, giving him the chance grow and develop normally now.
Help us to continue saving the lives of more children like Waiyl this month by…
- Sharing #hearts4hearts on social media to support CHD awareness and healthy hearts for all children.
- Giving to the #hearts4hearts campaign this month by texting HEART to 91999 or by visiting https://www.babyheart.org/donate/
- Become a #hearts4hearts Ambassador by launching your own fundraising page! All you have to do is text HEARTS to 71777. You will receive a text response that will prompt you to set up your own page. Once your page is setup, you can share your personal campaign link with friends and family via text, email and social media!
Also, look to stay updated with ICHF by getting periodic updates sent to your mobile phone. Text Baby to 51555 to sign up today!
It is your continued support that allows ICHF to bring the skills, technology and knowledge to cure and care for children with congenital heart disease in developing nations. Thank you for all you do!
