House Resolution 1180
By: Representative O’Steen of the 169th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 7-14, 2026, as congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, the health and well being of all children throughout Georgia are of paramount
importance the our families and communities; and
WHEREAS, thousands of children are born with birth defects every year, including
approximately 40,000 children in the United States who begin life with one of more than 35
identified forms of congenital heart defects; and
WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are among Georgia’s most common birth defect and
they can be fatal due to their seriousness, insufficient medical intervention options, and the
limited availability of infant donor hearts; and
WHEREAS, the origins and symptoms of congenital heart defects are becoming more readily
identifiable and the range of surgical options are expanding continuously thanks to doctors’
and scientists’ diligent research efforts and field experiences that extend our body of
knowledge every day; and
WHEREAS, there is much to learn about the causes of and the effective treatments for
congenital heart defects and it is important for parents, pediatricians, and nurses to recognize
the warning signs associated with congenital heart defects among newborns so they may
provide proper treatment as early as possible; and
WHEREAS, many of Georgia’s families and communities are directly or indirectly affected
by infant illness and death caused by congenital heart defects, and the state of Georgia
applauds the efforts of doctors and scientists everywhere who work diligently to solve life’s
medical mysteries and to improve the quality of life for us all; and
WHEREAS, Ben Abram Lingenfelter, born August 3, 2002, with Trasposition of the Great
Arteries, endured open heart surgery during his first week of life in August, Georgia, and
eventually survived three more open heart surgeries; and
WHEREAS, Ben graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2025, and created
the Miracle Child Heart Foundation to help kids and young adults through the many physical,
mental, and spiritual challenges of surviving multiple surgeries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize February 7-14, 2026, as Congenital Heart Defects
Awareness Week.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
Lingenfelter family.