Whereas, In the United States, birth or “congenital” heart defects
affect thousands of infants each year, and,
Whereas, Medical research shows that congenital heart disease is one of the
most common birth defects and a leading cause of birth-defect-related deaths,
and,
Whereas, Many babies born with congenital heart defects do not survive to adulthood
because of the defect not being determined in time, a lack of donor hearts,
or medical attention being unsuccessful, and,
Whereas, Medical professionals have identified at least 35 heart defects and
that research remains to be done regarding origins, physical signs, symptoms
and surgical options regarding congenital heart defects, and,
Whereas, Children and adults with congenital heart defects, their families
and medical professionals have joined together to raise awareness about this
disease, and therefore be it
Resolved, That February 14, 2003, be known as Congenital Heart
Defect Awareness Day.