National Heart Month
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE (CHD)
Every February, Children’s of Alabama celebrates American Heart Month, a time to recognize the patients and families who receive care at our nationally-ranked heart center, the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.
“This is a comprehensive heart center, which means any heart problem that your child has, we can take care of it,” said Robert Sorabella MD, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at Children’s of Alabama. “We have some of the best results in the country.”
The team, which consists of more than 300 staff members, provides pediatric care for thousands of patients annually. In 2024, the staff performed more than 850 cardiac catheterizations and electrophysiology procedures, as well as more than 525 cardiac surgeries, including nine heart transplants and nine ventricular assist device implants. The center also has 20 private cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) rooms with four dedicated ECMO suites, 16 private intermediate critical care unit (CCU) rooms, two cardiovascular operating rooms, and two cardiac catheterization labs. This “heart hospital within a hospital” represents decades of superior cardiovascular clinical care and research dedicated to children.
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and how it works. These abnormalities occur when the heart or blood vessels do not form correctly in utero. Some defects are identified at birth. Some don’t show signs until children are older. In the United States, nearly 40,000 babies are born with a heart defect each year. Survival of infants with CHD and other congenital defects depends on how severe the defect is, when it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
“The way I see it, no one ever wants to come see us,” said Sorabella. “We understand that, but we should all have the comfort of knowing that we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to save a child’s life.”
Children’s is a leader in the treatment of CHDs. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Children’s as one of the top 25 centers in the United States for pediatric cardiac care.
Throughout February, Children’s is raising awareness about CHDs and promoting the work done by the medical team at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.
Events and Promotions:
- The Children’s Russell Building will be illuminated in red throughout February in honor of American Heart Month.
- You can send free greeting cards to patients in the hospital. Visit www.childrensal.org/valentines and select one of three Valentine’s Day card designs. Hospital staff will print the cards and distribute them to patients on Valentine’s Day. The card drive is sponsored by Spire, a proud supporter of Children’s since 2017. Spire will also match donations made by donors during this card drive up to $5,000.
Plans are underway for the 10th annual Captain D’s Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ Tournament presented by Harbin Automotive. It will be held on May 3 at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro. All proceeds are donated to the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s of Alabama. For more information on the tournament or to register, visit www.castinncatchin.org.
The Mending Kids’ Hearts Specialty Car Tag- Alabama residents can purchase or renew a specialty car tag. Proceeds from this car tag provide valuable funds for patient care, research and specialized physician training for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. The tag can be purchased at any Alabama Department of Motor Vehicle location for $50 in addition to your normal tag cost. $41.25 of the $50 will go to Children’s. For more information, visit www.childrensal.org/childrens-specialty-car-tags
- Heart Month Fundraiser: This Heart Month, you can make a meaningful impact by starting your own personal fundraiser to support the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s. Create your fundraising page today in honor of a heart warrior in your life by visiting https://give.childrensal.org/campaign/fundraise-for-childrens/c556203
Beginning February 1st, Dorothy McDaniel will have a special floral arrangement called “Cherub” and will donate 20% of each arrangement purchased. https://dorothymcdaniel.com/shop/flowers/valentine-collection/wb93295225-february-2025-charity-in-bloom-amore-cherub/
- Follow the Children’s of Alabama Facebook page, Twitter feed, and YouTube channel. Throughout the month of February, we will feature patient stories.
Donate to Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama
INSIDE PEDIATRICS PODCAST
An Overview of Congenital Heart Disease
Camden Hebson, MD
Topic Info: Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, occurring in about 1% of all people. In this episode, pediatric cardiologist Dr. Camden Hebson describes some of the types of congenital heart disease and explains how screening and technological advances are helping.
AMERICAN HEART MONTH 2025: RAISING AWARENESS FOR PEDIATRIC CARDIAC CARE
PATIENT STORIES
Banks Haley
Diagnosed in utero with a rare condition and a congenital heart defect, Banks Haley needed a heart catheterization the day he was born. Thanks to the heart team at Children’s, he’s now able to enjoy life just like any other little boy.
Banks' story
Savanna McCarthy
After undergoing seven heart procedures in 52 days, Savanna McCarthy is back to enjoying her life.
Savanna's story
Koda Wallace
Koda Wallace was born with three congenital heart defects and later developed a gastrointestinal problem. Despite having three surgeries in his first six months, he’s now thriving.
Koda's story
Aria Smith
Born with a rare congenital heart defect, Aria Smith overcame many challenges in her first few months. Now, her parents say she’s a difference maker.
Aria’s story
