Our Organization:

CHERUBS is a 501(c)III organization located in North Carolina.   CHERUBS serves families of children and adults born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).   As of 2013, we have over 4200 members in all 50 states and 54 countries.  Our Board Members include the founding father of in-utero surgery, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, pediatric surgeons and parents of children born with CDH.  We are a volunteer-run organization and a United States Internal Revenue Service recognized 501(c)III Non-Profit Organization.

http://www.cdhsupport.org

What is CDH?

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) occurs in approximately 1 in every 2,500 births (1,600 cases in the U.S. each year).  The cause of CDH is not yet known.  The diaphragm is formed in the first trimester of pregnancy and controls the lungs' ability to inhale and exhale.  CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity.  This inhibits lung growth.     The cause is not yet known.

Roughly 50% of babies born with CDH do not survive.   Of the 50% that do survive, most will endure long hospital stays, feeding issues, asthma and other problems.  A few of the survivors suffer from severe long-term medical issues.

CDH occurs as frequently as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis, yet there is very little research being done and virtually no media coverage.