In Memory of Penelope...

An online friend lost her beautiful gift from God, Penelope, 33 days after she was born. She was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. Babies born with CDH endure surgeries and long hospitalizations to repair the diaphragm and allow the babies' lungs to rest and expand. 1600 babies are born with CDH every year in the United States alone; 800 do not survive. The cause is not known. There is little CDH Awareness and even less CDH Research.

How you can help.... this summer, Vivint's employees are giving away $1,250,000 to help fund local charities. The best part is: you choose where all of the money goes! Each day through August 27, you can vote just by taking a moment to click the link which casts your vote for Cherubs. They are in 3rd place right now. If you need more encouragement to choose Cherubs, read this letter from Penelope's Aunt titled "Why I love being Penelope's Aunt", https://www.facebook.com/JCDKA/posts/114990705257945#!/notes/ashley-diaz/why-i-love-being-penelopes-aunt/10150211258247965.



Please click the banner, and vote today...and everyday, in memory of Penelope.

\

Most people have never heard of this devastating birth defect, therefore it's hard to raise funds for research and support for families, even though Congenita Diaphragmatic Hernia is as common as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis. CDH Babies are the most underserved and CDH the least researched birth defect in relation to the rate of occurence. CHERUBS was created to support families, increase awareness and promote research into the cause, prevention and best treatments of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Their services to families are free and provided by the kindness of donations and volunteers. They currently help over 3700 families by providing information, on-call support, conferences, on-line forums, reference guides, newsletters, care packages and much more. They conduct dozens of services and projects for CDH research, awareness and support with an average annual income of less than $35,000. They are the world's first, largest and most active charity for CDH.