Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is a birth defect that is often underfunded, yet it is as common as spina bifida and cystic fibrosis. Overall, the mortality rate is 50% and it is primarily diagnosed prior to birth via ultrasound.
Each year since 2008, Breath of Hope and other CDH organizations have promoted families to write their governors to issue proclamations for March or March 31st to be proclaimed Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month/Day. Forty-two states have issued such Proclamations and the US Senate issued Resolution 204 for March 31, 2010 to be National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Day.
Each year, families use the month of March to educate others about this birth defect, which they were never aware of until their child was diagnosed.