February is Congenital Heart Defect awareness month but for those of us that are CHD parents every
day is CHD awareness day! Matthew continues to do well! We took a trip to Ireland over Christmas
and New Year’s where the highlight of the trip for all the boys was a visit to Bunratty Castle, a REAL
castle! We were treated to a private tour of the castle by our cousin Donie who works there. We also
had a great time visiting family in County Meath and the Clare cousins in County Clare.
2012 was a big year for Matthew’s Hearts of Hope. When I reflect on where we were a year ago I am
feel very blessed at how far we have come. Every newborn in the State of Connecticut is now
screened for Critical Congenital Heart Defects as of January 1st , thanks to “Matthew and Faith’s Law”.
I have reached out to the states of New York and Maine to offer assistance with their bills. In January
Guideposts featured our inspiring story, it reached over five million people. I have gotten many
messages of gratitude and people sharing their stories of Hope. We delivered 500+ “Hug a Heart”
Pillows to children like Matthew who have to undergo open heart surgery at Columbia Presbyterian
Hospital in New York.
At our Gala in September, we honored the many people that have helped on our journey. We also
raised over $15,000 for our great cause. In November I was both flattered and humbled to receive
the coveted “Women of Heart” Award for 2012 for my efforts in raising awareness to the #1 birth
defect, Congenital Heart Defects and for “Matthew and Faith’s Law”. I was quoted on the program as
saying “I am blessed every day to have a four year old in my life that inspires me to work hard and
make a difference”. Those words are words I hope I can stay true to for a long time!
Last Tuesday, February 5th, the children at the Sherman School stuffed 313 “Hug a Heart” Pillows full
of polyfill, love and a few ounces of hope. They were featured in a segment called “Making a
Difference” on NBC Connecticut 6pm News that night for their efforts. Many volunteers make this
project possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart and Matthew’s half a heart for your efforts,
you all know who you are! A special thank you to Fairfield Processing, Clothing labels4U, JoAnn
Fabric and One Stop Cleaners for their contributions to this great endeavor!
Lastly our NFP status is still pending but we should have it very soon. We are in the early stages of
planning our third annual “Giving from the Heart “Gala which will be in October. As always, thank
you for your support and prayers on this great journey, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
