How is your child's heart?

Nearly twice as many children die from congenital heart defects as from all forms of childhood cancers combined, yet pediatric cancer research receives five times the funding, according to It’s My Heart, Minnesota Chapter.

It’s My Heart recently formed a chapter in Alexandria.

CHD (congenital heart defect) Awareness Week is February 7-14, and It’s My Heart – Minnesota Chapter is hoping to get much needed support and funding from Minnesotans to tackle this huge issue desperately affecting families in the state and nationwide.

“Several children in Minnesota have made headlines in the last few days alone, illustrating just how widespread cases are,” said Angela Heidelberger, president of It’s My Heart – Minnesota Chapter. “In fact, one in every 100 babies born will have some form of heart defect, equating to 40,000 births every year nationwide.

“This year, 4,000 babies will not reach their 1st birthday in the USA due to a heart defect,” added Heidelberger.

So prolific is the problem, It’s My Heart has been overwhelmed with interest since the Minnesota Chapter was established in April 2010.

Several support groups are now established throughout the state and the first CHD Awareness Walk/5k Run will be held in Mankato in May.

“It’s My Heart is also holding a special CHD Week Event at the WOW!Zone in Mankato on February 13, sponsored by Pioneer Bank, “ said Heidelberger. “I want to extend a huge and warm welcome to any family in Minnesota affected by CHD to come and have a fun day with us.”

It’s My Heart has received proclamations from the state of Minnesota, as well as the cities of North Mankato, Shakopee, Fairmont, St Peter, Chaska and Minnetrista officially declaring February 7-14 CHD Awareness Week.

Tags: heart disease, news, health, children, family