CHERUBS Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia HOPE Totebag Project

Delivery of the first CDH HOPE Totebag to the Hobbs family at Duke University Medical Center

CHERUBS H.O.P.E. (Helping Other Parents Expecting) Totebag Program assists families expecting babies born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia by providing them with much needed free information and support items through a community project in which all CDH families can participate and honor their children while helping new families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Donated items are collected by our members, CDH families and friends and put together into totebags by volunteers. Totebags are then mailed to families who are expecting babies born with CDH or who have newborns still hospitalized and battling Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a devastating birth defect that affects 1 in every 2500 babies.   CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs into the chest cavity and preventing lung growth. The cause is not known.

50% of babies diagnosed with CDH do not survive.   Of those that do survive, sometimes long hospitalizations and other issues occur. It is incredibly important for CDH families to have accurate information of all the treatments for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia so that parents can make informed decisions for the babies' care. Items included are a CDH Awareness Ribbon totebag, personal care items for baby and information for the parents and family.   Our CDH Baby Book is over 200 pages of valuable CDH information and advice.

Over 100 new and expectant CDH parents join CHERUBS each year.   This project was created for them, to help them through the first few weeks and months in dealing with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.