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Mended Little Hearts of Central Virginia

Statistics

The Facts

  • 9 babies out of every 1,000 births will have some form of congenital cardiovascular defect
  • Approximately 40,000 babies are born with a congenital cardiovascular defect each year*
  • About 1,000,000 Americans born with a congenital cardiovascular defect are alive today
  • Congenital cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of infant death from birth defects
  • From 1979-1997, the age-adjusted death rates from congenital cardiovascular defects dropped 39 percent, but 43 percent of deaths still occurred in infants less than one year old
  • Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death for children 15 and under.


About Mended Hearts

  • Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Heart Association, has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years.
  • Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 423 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums.
  • Our mission is "dedicated to inspiring hope in heart disease patients and their families."
  • Annually, Mended Hearts accredited visitors make approximately 224,000 visits to patients in person, online or by phone.


About the Mended Little Hearts program

  • Parents with children who have been diagnosed with a congenital cardiovascular defect need to know that they are not alone and there is hope in the midst of their crisis. However, even well-meaning family and friends and compassionate medical staff may not be able to offer them the strength and comfort they need.
  • By speaking with a trained parent volunteer whose family has survived this same difficult situation, parents in crisis can work through their overwhelming emotions as they focus on the vital medical decisions at hand.
  • Through the support system and educational resources of the Mended Little Hearts, families will be able to develop an immediate connection and begin to build a sense of hope for the future.


* According to the American Heart Association 2008