Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution designating February 7 through February 14, 2021 as “Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week” and will further recognize February 14, 2021 as “Emersyn’s Day” in Pennsylvania. 
 
The impact that Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) can have on families and our communities became personal for me after meeting with the Swain and Sheeder families of Montgomery County. In 2018, Jackie Swain and Chris Sheeder were struck with the news that their infant daughter, Emersyn, had a CHD. These hard-working parents struggled to make ends meet while spending months on end in the hospital with Emersyn before her tragic and untimely passing. In Emersyn’s memory, Jackie and Chris sought to raise awareness about CHDs and how they impact families, and I am honored to join them in their cause. 
 
CHDs are one of the most common birth defects and are a leading cause of birth defect-related deaths affecting one in every 104 newborns in the United States. After birth, CHDs can be screened for through a simple and noninvasive test called pulse oximetry. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this resolution to promote awareness and education about Congenital Heart Defects in honor of Emersyn and the thousands of families across the United States coping with CHDs.