HR1180: HR1180 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week; February 7-14, 2026; recognize

26 LC 129 0669 House Resolution 1180 By: Representative O’Steen of the 169th A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 7-14, 2026, as congenital Heart Defect Awa reness Week; and for1 other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the health and well being of all children throughout Georgia are of paramount3 importance the our families and communities; and4 WHEREAS, thousands of children are born with birth defects ever y year, including5 approximately 40,000 children in the United States who begin life with one of more than 356 identified forms of congenital heart defects; and7 WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are among Georgia’s most common birth defect and8 they can be fatal due to their seriousness, insufficient medical intervention options, and the9 limited availability of infant donor hearts; and10 WHEREAS, the origins and symptoms of congenital heart defects are becoming more readily11 identifiable and the range of surgical options are expanding continuously thanks to doctors’12 and scientists’ diligent research efforts and field experiences that extend our body of13 knowledge every day; and14 H. R. 1180 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0669 WHEREAS, there is much to learn about the causes of and the eff ective treatments for15 congenital heart defects and it is important for parents, pediatricians, and nurses to recognize16 the warning signs associated with congenital heart defects amon g newborns so they may17 provide proper treatment as early as possible; and18 WHEREAS, many of Georgia’s families and communities are directly or indirectly affected19 by infant illness and death caused by congenital heart defects, and the state of Georgia20 applauds the efforts of doctors and scientists everywhere who work diligently to solve life’s21 medical mysteries and to improve the quality of life for us all; and22 WHEREAS, Ben Abram Lingenfelter, born August 3, 2002, with Trasposition of the Great23 Arteries, endured open heart surgery during his first week of l ife in August, Georgia, and24 eventually survived three more open heart surgeries; and 25 WHEREAS, Ben graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2025, and created26 the Miracle Child Heart Foundation to help kids and young adults through the many physical,27 mental, and spiritual challenges of surviving multiple surgeries.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29 the members of this body recognize February 7-14, 2026, as Cong enital Heart Defects30 Awareness Week. 31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the33 Lingenfelter family.34 H. R. 1180 - 2 -