Now that the Day of CDH Awareness has past...

The first word that comes to mind is "WOW!"


There were thousands of websites that picked up the CHERUBS Press Release, countless articles written, a handful of TV stations picked up the story, at least 17 states (and 4 cities) issued Proclamations, and hundreds of people affected by CDH marched in cities all around the country.  In fact, we were able to obtain a Proclamation from Illinois and Wisconsin along with the cities of Chicago, Peoria, and the village of Wheeling to support our efforts here in Chicago (and in Illinois). 


Our Parade of Cherubs in Chicago had over 50 people march around Children's Memorial Hospital to help raise awareness of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.  We had CDH angels represented, babies diagnosed in utero, children ranging from 1-5 years old, and even a 17 year old survivor.  We had parents, rainbow siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, siblings, cousins, and even a doctor.  We had three states represented.  And if I had asked everyone which hospital they received treatment at...I probably would have received at least 8-10 different answers.  


We all came together to help raise awareness of this birth defect that affects 1 in every 2500 births.  However, many attendees had never met another family affected by CDH before.  As many of the families started to chat to get to know one another better...I found myself along with many others responding to questions with the same answer, "we just don't know....that's why we need research."  I honestly felt bad....I had no answers.  But then again...no one does...unfortunately. 


We (as a CHERUBS family) collectively did a tremendous amount to raise awareness this year.  Those who participated in the Washington D.C. were actually able to meet with their respective Senators to show support for the $50,000,000 CDH Research Bill.  However, we must continue to raise awareness everyday if we can ever hope for research dollars to get allocated to find a cause/cure for CDH.  We have gained some amazing momentum this year....let's keep it up!


Thanks to our sponsors who helped make the Chicago Parade of Cherubs a success:


Abigail Harenberg Photographer - for taking some amazing pictures at the event
BENT FORK BAKERY - for donating yummy cupcakes
The Bleeding Heart Bakery - for donating additional cupcakes
Clowning Around Entertainment/ Celebration Authority - for donating helium for our balloon launch
Sugar Beez - for making the awesome CHERUBS ribbon sugar cookies
Noelle Rudisill - for making the CHERUBS magnets that everyone loves so much
Children's Memorial Hospital - Circle of Friends - for agreeing to work with myself and CHERUBS to raise CDH awareness