CROMWELL, Conn., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 7th, Little Hearts, Inc. held their 13th annual celebration with over 150 members in attendance. One of the support services they offer is their "Picture of Hope" -- a photo taken of all the heart kids ranging in age from infant to 50 of all different types of heart defects -- many with DORV, HLHS (52), PA, TGA, TOF and Tricuspid Atresia. "HOPE" is shared with others on http://www.littlehearts.org along with other invaluable services. Parents leave the picnic with a shared sense of eternal optimism and camaraderie.

A congenital heart defect (CHD) begins in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby's heart is forming. Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the USA with a CHD, equating to 1 out of 125 babies. In the last 30 years, advances in treatment of heart defects have enabled over half a million U.S. children with significant heart defects to survive into adulthood.

A parent's life changes the moment their doctor tells them that their baby has a CHD and has to have one or more open heart surgeries. Their lives are instantly transformed into the world of treatment options and unknown outcomes. It is daunting beyond belief. What parents need at this very moment is Hope.

In 1996, Jeffrey Cameron was diagnosed with HLHS at birth. His parents initially chose comfort care and took him home to die. It was after talking with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jonas that they opted for the lifesaving, 3-staged surgery.

Jeffrey's mom, in need of the support from other parents, founded Little Hearts, Inc. From a grassroots beginning, Lenore, President and Executive Director, worked passionately to build her mission into a national non-profit organization 1,800 members strong!

Those attending this celebration for the first time with their young heart child were given hope as they watched in awe at all the kids playing, unable to differentiate who the heart children were! Jeffrey (who turned 13 on June 6th!) and the many others who attended the celebration are these survivors.

Dr. Richard A. Jonas of Children's National Medical Center of Washington, D.C., commented, "It's a great experience for me and my family to see so many healthy, happy kids in a beautiful park environment instead of the hospital. So often I only get to see kids I have operated on who are coming back with a problem and rarely have the opportunity to see all the healthy ones. Congratulations to Ms. Cameron and her team for putting together such a successful event. It's a wonderful day for me to speak with so many of my past patients, some from many years ago. They all tell me what a great boost it is to be able to network with other families who have been through what they have."

Learn more about this outstanding organization's support services by visiting http://www.littlehearts.org. Show your support to Little Hearts, Inc. with a donation today.

    Contact:

    Lenore Cameron
    toll-free: 866-435-HOPE

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SOURCE Little Hearts, Inc.

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http://www.littlehearts.org