congenital diaphragmatic hernia awareness & remembrance

by Kellie & Abbie Thomas

as April draws to a close, we reflect how grateful we are that Abbie is here today.

April is CDH awareness month (congenital diaphragmatic hernia,) a severe birth defect affecting 1000's of bubs worldwide every year.  

this cause holds a very special place in our hearts, as we remember the blessings we had & the trauma's thousands of families go through due to birth defects and complications.  

the diaphragm is the bit of muscle between the chest and abdomen, that helps us to breathe. A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when there is a hole or opening in the diaphragm allowing organs from the belly to move up into the chest cavity. The survival rate is only 50%-60%, resulting in 1000's of deaths. Globally over 300,000 bubs have been affected. 

Abbie, my little sister, best friend & business partner, was born with undiagnosed CDH when I (Kellie) was 3 years old. She displayed no symptoms and it is only because a young midwife wanted to double check Abbie's breathing noises, ordering an Xray, that it was discovered 12 whole hours after she had exited the womb. Abbie miraculously survived her Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, spending 19 days in the New Born Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Being surrounded by so many babies suffering life threatening conditions and helping to care for my sister who nearly lost her life, was the beginning of this passion for babies, to help & support sick babies, evolving into a dream for our own shop in which we use to make a difference ethically, sustainability, truely helping to nurture mum & bub through their journey of new life. 

     

we Kellie & Abbie have a pure passion, everyone has a story to tell & a journey they've been through xx

I encourage you to help raise awareness about this condition, to support families & research, ensuring the bubs effected are in the best care.

Please visit cdhi.org or CDH Australia to learn more and donate to this vital cause

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia International (CDHi) is the world's leading foundation in supporting CDH, working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve standards for CDH care across the globe. Providing vital research information and working to improve standards in hospitals worldwide including Sydney Children's Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital. 

If you or anyone you know is effected by CDH in the family please contact CDH Australia for local support services. Every bub matters. You are not alone.