Anna’s Happy Heart Sheriff Charlie’s Heart-iversary

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects. These defects in the structure of the heart vary, include enlarged, misshapen, or misplaced chambers or blood vessels. These defects reduce the efficiency of the heart and lungs, which can be life-threatening.

Unfortunately, CHD can easily go undetected in newborns until a stressor or illness aggravates the condition. Thankfully, screening for CHD now occurs prenatally and before newborns leave the hospital. This allows children to receive corrective treatment quickly, to live the healthiest lives possible.

Such advances in medical screening give children like Anna a chance to overcome life-threatening heart defects. Anna was born with CHD and diagnosed at 11 days old. She has had two heart surgeries and one heart catheterization to correct the structure of her heart. Although a heart defect continues to pose risks even after corrective surgery, Anna is doing great today. She’s an inspiration and joy to her mom, Jennifer. 

To celebrate, Kathleen Burdette of Honey Bee’s Cakes and Creations made a special cake for Anna’s birthday this year. The pink cake was topped with a tiara and a wand, which seemed to delight Anna. You can see more of Kathleen’s cakes at the Honey B’s Cakes and Creations website.

With Smiles + Cake,

Molly Sargen

Icing Smiles Blog Writer