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The Children's Heart Foundation to Support National Congenital Heart Coalition (NCHC) on Capitol Hill by Participating in National Congenital Heart Lobby Day on February 10

Posted on: Monday, 9 February 2009, 08:30 CST

NCHC Will Lobby Congress to Sponsor the Congenital Heart Futures Act - Legislation that will Fund a National Congenital Heart Disease Registry, Congenital Heart Defect Research and Education

CHICAGO, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Children's Heart Foundation (CHF) - the country's leading organization solely dedicated to funding CHD research - is one of six organizations participating in National Congenital Heart Lobby Day on February 10. The day unites organizations that support the National Congenital Heart Coalition (NCHC) in an effort to persuade senators and congress representatives to fund important efforts surrounding congenital heart defects (CHDs).

The CHF joins the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), Congenital Heart Information Network (CHIN), It's My Heart (IMH) and Mended Little Hearts (MLH) in the nation's capitol to lobby for sponsorship of the Congenital Heart Futures Act, legislation that will fund a national CHD registry, CHD research and ongoing education. The day is meant to build on the Coalition's successful lobby work and grow the collective voice and face of CHDs. Members of the Coalition focus on addressing the needs of CHD infants, children, teens and adults alike.

"We are truly excited to be a part of the National Congenital Heart Coalition and its Lobby Day efforts because it will allow us to have a focused and direct dialogue with lawmakers that can help us raise awareness and funding around CHDs," says Bill Foley, Executive Director of The Children's Heart Foundation. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to get in front of our nation's largest policy makers to share the importance of new research for CHDs, the most prevalent and deadly birth defect in America."

National Congenital Heart Lobby Day falls during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-14, 2009), an annual grassroots campaign that works to educate the public about CHDs. Local support groups will also participate by requesting and receiving proclamations from government officials, distributing informational brochures, hosting special events and holding fund-raising activities.

To further support CHD efforts in the month of February, the CHF is teaming up with Chicago Bears cornerback, Charles "Peanut" Tillman and his wife, Jackie, who are serving as Co-Honorary Chairs at the CHF 2009 Hearts at Play benefit on February 21st at Chicago's Field Museum.

Due to their personal experience with CHDs (daughter Tiana recently received a successful heart transplant to treat a heart condition called cardiomyopathy) the Tillman's are dedicated to supporting organizations like the Children's Heart Foundation that are working hard to fund research that will someday treat and hopefully cure CHDs, the number one birth defect in America.

The family-friendly event includes private access to the world renowned Field Museum, as well as activities for kids, including face painting and balloon artists. Guests will also enjoy food, cocktails, dancing and entertainment. The evening will feature Dr. Sunjay Kaushal who will be honored for his outstanding medical care and treatment of countless CHF patients including the Tillman's daughter. The CHF recently awarded Dr. Kaushal a $100,000 grant to fund his research for cardiomyopathy.

The Children's Heart Foundation will host a silent auction of more than 200 unique items including signed memorabilia from the Chicago Bears and the CHF's "Celebrities with Heart" Advisory Board, which includes stars from the smash hit High School Musical and Shoshana Bean from the Broadway musical Wicked, among others. All proceeds will benefit the CHF's initiatives which fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects.

Tickets to this private event are now on sale for $100 per adult and $35 per child. Family Circle Sponsor packages are $500 and include two adult tickets and two children's tickets. For more information, purchase a ticket or find out how to support the Children's Heart Foundation, visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org.

About The Children's Heart Foundation

Based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, The Children's Heart Foundation is the country's leading organization committed to funding research to help find better treatments - and hopefully someday a cure - for children born with congenital heart defects. To date, The Children's Heart Foundation has funded over $3.4 million towards 37 research projects led by the nation's best and most promising research teams - several of which have gone on to receive funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The Children's Heart Foundation is the only organization created solely to fund congenital heart defect research. There are currently six chapters nationwide, and each continues to expand. The Foundation is not affiliated with any one medical institution or organization, which ensures that the most promising congenital heart defect research continues to get funded anywhere in the world.

SOURCE The Children?s Heart Foundation

Source: PR Newswire

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