Exciting News in CHD Research

Now this is exciting news in the world of CHD research and practice. You can read about this newly developed simulation model which allows cardio-thoracic surgeons to virtually 'test-drive' several potential surgical approaches for pediatric heart surgery, even adjusting for blood pressure changes when the child exercises. This is a significant development for children with single ventricle heart conditions, like Annabel's HLHS. And, the timing seems especially potent since Annabel will be undergoing her third open-heart surgery, the Fontan, as described in the article, at Albany Med on March 24th. UCSD engineer develops method to combat congenital heart disease in children - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209152418.htm We'll be bringing Arnold home a little earlier than planned so he only has 4 remaining stops on his round the world trip. Please consider making a donation before we bring him home by clicking on the donate button in the sidebar. We're hovering around $750 right now -- please help us reach the $1,000 mark!

Happy New Year! - Some Early News for 2009

It's been a while since we've posted here largely since all recent posts have been tracking Arnold the Cow's progress as he travels around the world. You can read about his fundraising effrots and exploits here:
www.whereintheworldisarnold.blogspot.com

For now, a little more news... We're currently home in the UK visiting family as Annabel's great-grandfather passed away on January 10th at the grand old age of 108 years old. As the last British veteran to have served in both World Wars, his funeral will have all the military trappings and arrangements are being assisted by the British Ministry of Defence. It will be held, and televised, on January 29th, 2009.

Meanwhile, as we prepared for our trip home, Annabel's cardio-thoracic surgeon's office called with a date for Annabel's third (Fontan) open heart surgery. Phew. We can now confirm she will will undergo the Fontan at Albany Medical Center on March 24th, 2009, (with pre-op testing on the 23rd). Despite the sad circumstances of this particular trip home, it is a wonderful opportunity for Annabel to see all our family and friends, especially before we welcome her baby brother into the world around May 24th... So, you could say we are starting 2009 off with a jolt.

In heart research news, a recent Swedish study into the efficacy of pulse oximetry screening has been widely touted in both US and UK medical journals as highly promising for the early detection of congenital heart defects in newborns. Pulse ox testing simply involves clipping a light monitor onto a finger or toe to measure blood oxygenation levels (Annabel's visiting nurses test Annabel like this every 2 weeks and it's about as easy as taking a child's temperature!). The study found s significant increase in the early detection of CHD's compared with simple physical examination/APGAR testing at birth. It's simple, cost-neutral and we have long felt this should be part of the basic evaluation for all newborns. The follow-up issue for medical institutions is really access to equipment and technicians for the administration of a fetal echocardiogram if and when abnormally low blood oxygenation levels are detected. The study recommended re-testing some hours after a low score was detected which weeded out false scores. Overall, it certainly seems like a step in the right direction for dialogue on both sides of the pond.

Wishing you all the best for 2009!

Where in the World is Arnold? (Fundraiser 2: Nov. 1st, 2008 - April 1st, 2009)

Starting November 1st, 2008, Arnold, Annabel's favourite cow, will embark on an international fundraising tour in support of Annabel's Heart Fund. His blog will feature photos and updates from his world travels and we will bring him home by April 1st, 2009, in time to accompany Annabel to Albany Medical Center: The Children's Hospital for her third stage open-heart surgery.

Over the next few months, Arnold will be a well-travelled cow with many adventures to share. Please help us raise funds by spreading the word, sending an email to friends, engaging your child's class, or linking to his blog on your facebook or myspace page.

Join the world tour and visit Arnold's fundraising page:
Where in the World is Arnold?
(http://www.whereintheworldisarnold.blogspot.com/)

#1: Mirriam's Marathon (Fundraiser 1: Sept.17 - Oct. 31, 2008)

10/26/08: She did it! Mirriam successfully ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 5 hours and 54 minutes and helped us raise $2,188 in just 5 weeks! Well done, Mirriam (Zary), and thank you to everyone who gave. Great work! (**This fundraiser is now closed**)

You can read about Mirriam's marathon experience at: www.runforannabel.blogspot.com
or view her fundraiser page at: www.firstgiving.com/mirriamsrunforannabel
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Welcome to our kick-off fundraiser! Our good friend, Mirriam Seddiq Klinowksi, has stuck to her training goal and will be running the Marine Corps marathon in Washington D.C. on October 26th, 2008! As extra inspiration, Mirriam accepted our fundraising challenge and will run the grueling 26.2 miles in Annabel's honour. We set her up with her own fundraising page and even threw in a free running mantra: "Chase me! I've got a big heart!" We'll be celebrating Annabel's 2nd birthday that same weekend so we'll raise a slice of cake to Mirriam and blog a race-day report with some live race shots.

Help us raise our first $2,000 between Sept. 17th and October 31st by sponsoring Mirriam here: www.firstgiving.com/mirriamsrunforAnnabel.
You can share this link with friends or paste the progress widget to your blog or facebook page by clicking on the firstgiving.com image beneath this post.