Our Advisors

I'd like to take a few minutes to introduce our Board. Because I do the blog postings and the office work, people mistake me as the "face behind CHERUBS"..... which is so untrue. I am one of many who make our wonderful organization run. We have the most amazing volunteers and I will be writing about them as well soon, and also adding stories and videos of members too. But for right now, I'd like you all to meet some very special people:

Parent Advisors
(in no particular order)

Judi Toth - mom of cherub with wings, Christopher Michael Toth, Judi has been a member of CHERUBS for 11 years. She was our Secretary for several years until her work and health didn't allow for volunteering as many hours as she was. Judi has spent 1000's of hours volunteering over the years, from helping to create our database to planning events in Washington DC for us, she has been invaluable to CHERUBS. Even through 9/11 when she was in the Pentagon as it was hit, she still called us to let us know she was ok and to check on other members. She often calls CHERUBS her "second baby" and she means it sincerely. When Shane died Judi stepped in and handled all of CHERUBS affairs so that I could have time to grieve my son without worrying about our organization. She also helped plan his funeral and held my hand those days following his death. That is the type of person that Judi is and I know she makes Christopher proud.

Tara Hall - mom of cherub on earth, Brandon Hall, who has taught us all a lot about feeding issues and reherniations. Tara is also our Ohio State Representative and has planned 10 years of Ohio picnics very successfully. Always ready to lend an ear or offer encouragement, Tara has been a shoulder for 100's of CDH families. When my son died Tara immediately hopped into her car and drove from Ohio to North Carolina without any hesitation, no matter that long drive or how emotionally hard it must have been for her. Tara has the highest of integrity and has been a constant source of inspiration and support to me and so many other CDH families.

Stephanie Olivarez - mom of adorable Shelby Olivarez, Stephanie joined CHERUBS just last year but within weeks stepped up to volunteer and she has become such a huge part of all we do at CHERUBS we don't even remember what it was like without her! Stephanie and her husband, Shane, held an ATV Rally in Indiana in honor of Shelby and CHERUBS and did a phenomenal job of raising CDH Awareness. Steph is our Indiana State Representative as well as our Volunteer Coordinator for State and International Reps. She also stepped up to help plan the 2008 CDH Conference and Angel Ball and without her, neither event would've been possible. She does all this, raises 4 beautiful little girls, and still keeps up with all our members offering them prayers and encouragement. Stephanie is family now and stuck with us CHERUBS members forever. :)

Barbara Wagner - mom to Logan Wagner, a teenager now.... wow! Where has the time gone? Barb has been a member for 10 yrs also I think and is such a huge help with CHERUBS I really don't know what I'd do without her! She's our Volunteer Coordinator for Committees and also holds almost every other volunteer position as well. Always cheerful, no matter what she has going on in her own life... Barb gives so much of herself to CHERUBS and CDH families. Calendars, cookbooks, anything creative.... she's our gal! She even gave me ideas for my wedding. Barb is the type of woman who makes a friend and they are like a sister to her.... we are so lucky to have her. She's our newest Advisor and we're glad to have her aboard!

Brenda Slavin - mom to cherubs with wings, Amanda and Nicholas Slavin. Brenda is the 3rd member of CHERUBS, joining us back in 1995. Mom to 2 babies lost to CDH and now a PICU nurse herself, Brenda offers a unique perspective that is so valuable to us. Also a newsletter contributor, Maryland State Representative, and conference speaker, Brenda is superwoman. She honors her babies memories, is single mom to 2 incredible kids on earth, works lots of hours helping the children in her PICU and their families and still has time for CHERUBS. Not to mention she's one heck of an amazing woman and friend. She's gotten me through grief of losing Shane, losing my sister and a divorce and kept me focused on CHERUBS.... she's done more for our organization than she knows and we love her for it.

Corin Nava -mom of cherub with wings, Gabriel Nava, Corin is easily summed up with one word - "sweetheart". Not that she's not a complicated and interesting lady but she has the sweetest personality and biggest heart and I can't imagine anyone meeting her and not immediately adoring her. She is on almost every committee, has several fundraisers throughout the year in New England for CHERUBS; whether it's baking 100's of truffles or bowling, or putting together 100's of information packets in Gabe's memory to donate to the local hospitals. The woman has energy - she does all this and has an infant, a husband, a job and she's State Representative for almost every New England state! Not to mention she's always offering encouragement and support to all the members and even offers baking advice. She's a saint... she may not agree with that statement but I still think it's true.

Darlene Silverman - grandmother to Emily. Darlene is our voice of reason and encouragement when things get rough. She's given me a virtual hug or swift kick when I need it. Her loyalty to CHERUBS and CDH families is amazing. Whether working all hours of the night with me on legal paperwork or research, she is such an amazing woman. She is the only Advisor that I haven't met in person yet and I can't wait to finally hug this woman! If it hadn't been for Darlene's constant support and encouragement, I really don't know how I would've made it through all the drama and attacks on CHERUBS in the past 2 years. No matter how discouraged I got, Darlene was right there reminding why we do what we do every day - for the cherubs and families. If there was information we needed for anything at all - she can find it. Darlene has been my guardian angel on earth and I so appreciate her and all she's done for our organization and my own sanity. :)

Elaine Moats - mom of Kristin Moats... a teenager who just got her driver's license. It still blows my mind to think she's old enough to drive now; she was so little when Elaine joined CHERUBS back in 1996 I think. Elaine... we jokingly call us "old-timers".... she's been a member of CHERUBS for almost as long as I have. Elaine has dedicated 1000's of hours to CHERUBS; all 3 cookbooks, State Representative for 4 midwest states, on almost every committee, writing 100's of letters for auctions... Elaine is just... wonderful. She is one of the calmest, most poised people I have ever met. She always knows what to say, always is quick to volunteer to help, has given so much support and encouragement to so many CDH families throughout the years. Not to mention that she's been such a source of support and encouragement to me throughout the years as well and her friendship means so much to me. I know a lot of other CDH families feel the same way.

Kara Hess - mom of Adam Hess, who is keeping his mom hopping lately and whom we hope feels better soon. Kara.... she's been an Advisor less than a year I think but she's made such an impact. Kara is so funny, so honest and blunt - and we need that! Not that we don't have Advisors who are also funny, honest and blunt... Kara is just a breath of fresh air, a new CDH mom to stir things up with all of us "old-timers". When I'm wrong, she tells me. When we throw out a bad idea, she let's us know. When one of us needs encouragement or some spiritual comfort - she's there, offering words or a laugh or a funny photo or scripture. She is such a good Christian.... one that I look up to and want to be more like. Married with 2 young boys, she has her hands full but still has time for all we have going on at CHERUBS and supporting members as well. Though Kara is a new Advisor and friend, she is a dear one... to so many of us.


Heidi Cadwell - mom to cherub on earth, Tanina Cadwell. Tanina... our walking miracle cherub... ok, all cherubs are walking miracles but Tanina is a walking miracle cherub who goes even farther than just being a "normal" kid - she's an extraordinary teenager achieving goals that would be hard for even adults to do. And a huge reason behind that is her amazing mom, Heidi. Heidi is another "old-timer", having joined us around 1998. Heidi has had more than her share of troubles the past few years but she takes on each challenge with such dignity and grace and determination.... it's so easy to see where Tanina gets all those amazing qualities (not that Frank isn't great too!). And through it all, Heidi has been there for CHERUBS. Sometimes not as much as she wants to be involved in things but we all know she's there, quietly encouraging us, silently praying for us and still wanting to help others. Heidi was a teacher for years, helping children to learn. A foster mom to so many kids, giving them a home and love. And she's held many volunteer positions at CHERUBS throughout the years as well. She has the biggest heart and cares so much for others.... the world would be a much better place if there were more Heidi Cadwell's in it.

Our amazing Advisors.... those behind the scenes with me helping to keep the organization going. Our members have no idea how much time and love they all donate to CDH families. How many hours they lose with their own cherubs and families to make sure that all CDH families have the information and support that they need. All volunteering - no one at CHERUBS is paid a salary. They all give of themselves because our cause is so important to them... and they so honor their cherubs' memorys and lives. I am so grateful to know each one of these wonderful women.

So how do you become an Advisor? Our Advisors were chosen many years ago when we needed them for updating our 501(c)III paperwork. Most of our Advisors have been on the Board since then, with a few additions that have been voted in in the past 2 years to shake up ideas a bit and we've only lost 3 Advisors in 14 years - all due to needing more time with their families and all 3 are welcome back on the committee at any time. All of them are very active in our organization as members and Advisors. They are all quick to help, respond and do what they can for CHERUBS and CDH families. We've been very lucky to have so many dedicated people who volunteer their time and hearts to CHERUBS and to families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.


Professional Advisors

Our Professional Advisors are equally amazing; caring for CDH babies and their families health and their rights. They have all given countless hours of advice, support, encouragement, referals, and been by our side for years - helping us to help CDH families. Without them, CHERUBS would not have come as far as we have. Their support for our organization and CDH families has been overwhelming and so appreciated over the years. They are the true fighters for CDH families and babies.

Lesli A. Taylor, MD
Vice-President
Professor Director, Division of Pediatric Surgery
East Tennessee State University

Rachel L. King, RN
Medical Advisor
Nurse Supervisor; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Board Member

Vincent R. Adolph, MD
Medical Advisor
Department of Pediatric Surgery
Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, Louisiana

Michael R. Harrison, MD
Medical Advisor
Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics
Director, Fetal Treatment Center
University of California, San Francisco

Aviva L. Katz, MD
Medical Advisor
Division of Pediatric Surgery
Alfred I. du Pont Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jacob C. Langer, MD, FRCS(C)
Medical Advisor
Chief, Pediatric General Surgery
Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cynthia M. Powell, M.D.
Medical Advisor
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Genetics and Metabolism
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Prem Puri, MS, FACS
Medical Advisor
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon
Children's Research Centre
Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children
Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland

Jay Mark Wilson, MD
Medical Advisor
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Associate in Surgery; Director, ECMO Program
Boston's Children's Hospital, Massachusetts

Claudine P. Torfs, PhD
Honorary Medical Advisor
Epidemiologist
California Birth Defects Monitoring Program

Betty Mekdeci
Professional Advisor
President & Founder
Birth Defect Research for Children
Celebration, Florida

M. Shane Perry
Attorney at Law
Legal Advisor
Morrisville, North Carolina

CHERUBS Name & Logos

CHERUBS Logo in 1999:

CHERUBS name was one that was easy to decide on. Baby angels.... named for all the children lost to CDH. Not cherub, as in one child, but cherubs for ALL the children born with CDH. My son was still alive when CHERUBS was created, it was named for Preston and Andrea - the 2 other CDH babies in the hospital that year that didn't survive. CHERUBS was founded to be a support organization, not a foundation, so it was very important to have a name that included all of our children.

CHERUBS was an original name. At the time there were no other organizations with the same name that dealt with birth defects. We were very insistent on not following others foots steps or riding on other's coattails.... we wanted to be independent and this made it harder for us to pave our own way but we are proud that we did. CHERUBS wouldn't be who we are if we were to use a name or slogan similar to anyone else.

50% of children diagnosed with CDH still do not survive. This takes into account ALL babies diagnosed - not just those whose parents chose to continue with the pregnancy and those babies that survived transport to larger medical centers. This statistic includes those who are stillborn, those that are miscarried, terminated, or die before care can be given. This statistic includes those who live minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years but who pass away from CDH or related CDH issues. 50%. Of the 1600 babies born with CDH each year, 800 will not survive. The cause is still not known.

CHERUBS is named for them... for all CDH babies, survivors and non-survivors - with or without wings. Cherubs.... baby angels. Miraculous children. Children with wings and halos and hope. Our logo reflects that.... a group of child angels. Supporting each other. Older survivors. Newborns.


Our colors are all colors of the rainbow.... pastels and bright colors. No trendy logo colors. No logo dedicated to one child or a symbol of one child. All colors, all ages, all children, all CDH families represented.

The word CHERUBS is in a font that is reminiscent of balloons... both for celebrating life and for those who didn't survive (as grieving parents often send balloons to heaven for our children).

Through the years, our logos grew...

We added logos to include medical professionals.

We added research logos to better explain Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia


We added fundraising event logos.



And logos for our Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia conferences.

We even added holiday logos.

These cherubs represent our real life cherubs, with over 100 different logo characters. These images and logos have been seen around the world. On shirts worn by our members in 38 countries. At conferences. In magazines. In newspapers. On television. On 1000's of web sites.

The word "cherubs" has become synonimous with CDH kids. CDH kids have even been called "cherubs" in the media, in the printed materials of hospitals, and even at medical conferences. If there was ever a "branding" of a corporate name with CDH, it has become "cherubs". And it suits. Because they are all little angels...... cherubs.

Official Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Ribbon

Why is the CDH Awareness Ribbon blue and pink and yellow with clouds you ask? Several years ago on our old listserv, members of CHERUBS (then the only CDH group on the internet) talked about having an awareness ribbon. We batted the idea back and forth and didn't go much further with it because it every color was already taken and it seemed a bit tacky to take a color that already belonged to other causes - we didn't want to take away from their hard work promoting their cause with their ribbon. And we didn't want to compete with other causes for a ribbon color, because well... that's not very professional.

A couple of years ago, cherub with wings, Drew, had a ribbon made especially for him that his mom put on the Rainbow of Hope site. RoH is a site dedicated to Drew's memory that has information about CDH. Jana is a sweetheart and well respected in the CDH community. Drew's ribbon is turquoise.

Last year an organization decided to 'borrow' Drew's ribbon for their own CDH ribbon. Soon this organization claimed rights to all CDH Awareness activities, events, etc - even tried to have this ribbon trademarked as their own - based on the fact that they wrote a few letters to governors for CDH Awareness Day proclamations. Because this was their project, CHERUBS respected it and stayed out of it. But soon other groups and parents who used that color ribbon or who said "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" without explicit permission of this small group of about 35 real people were getting threatened with lawsuits. Then CHERUBS was getting threatened if we didn't stop using the term "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness". CHERUBS tries to steer clear of all drama - but we do stand up for CDH families. The decision was made to not use the turquoise ribbon to avoid further drama and threats from that group.

Last year, our members asked for an official Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Ribbon - one that was chosen by CDH families, not used by other causes and not embedded in threats and drama. All of our over 2000 members - all CDH families - were asked to recommend and then vote for the official CDH Awareness Ribbon. There were several different ideas that went around but one thing was for certain - we wanted a ribbon that represented our children, our cause - a ribbon that is owned by ALL CDH families and can be used without fear. Not something assigned to them or dictated to them, not something some politician who is clueless about CDH signed on unintentionally, but something that they chose for their children. Baby blue, pink and yellow... similar to the ribbon for birth defects and clouds for those cherubs who do not survive - because half of these children do not survive.

To us, the turquoise ribbon is Drew's ribbon and always will be... something sacred that belongs to his memory. How amazing that Jana chose to allow others to use it and how amazing she is to put up with all she has because of it.

This is not CHERUBS' ribbon. It is not the ribbon of any 1 organization or person. This is the official Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Ribbon and it belongs to ALL of the families and children affected by CDH.

No One Knows....

No One Knows....
by Dawn Williamson

No one knows what it's like to be diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and have your world shatter - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to watch your baby struggle to breathe - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to cry yourself to sleep at night wondering if today was the last day you had with your child and the hospital could call at any minute - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have to leave the pediatric intensive care unit because you've been there so long that they kick you out - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to sleep on the floor of the ICU waiting room because the Ronald McDonald House is too far way at just 2 blocks from the hospital and you need to be RIGHT THERE in case your child needs you - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to sit in a Care Conference crying for your child's rights, begging staff to not give up on your baby and send him to a chronic care facility - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have to learn how to work life support systems that your child's very being depends on - a ventilator, an oxygen concentrator, feeding pumps - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to ask yourself "Why my child?" so many times that even God is tired of hearing it - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have to explain over and over and over and over what your child's medical condition is to family and friends and a society that has never heard of it - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to struggle with marriage issues because you're dealing with reality in different ways and one of you is stuck with making all the decisions while the other lives in la-la-land - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to scream at a nurse that they don't know what they are doing while suctioning your child's ET-tube and it's about to come out and if they don't step away from his bed you will step in and physically remove them - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have to fight to get treatment for a bedsore on your child's back from being in the same position for 3 weeks - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to actually loudly cheer for a child to pee - just pee - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to never hear your child cry until they are a year old because there are tubes down his throat preventing his vocal cords from working - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to not hold your child until 2 weeks after he was born because he's hooked up to too many machines keeping him alive - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to lose count of how many IVs your child has had, or what scars are from what surgery, or how many meds he's been on in his entire life, or doctors he's seen - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be on your hands and knees in a surgical waiting room begging and pleading with God to take you instead of your child - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to put a tube down your child's nose and into their stomach, or past the stomach - while making sure not to hit the lungs - so that your child can eat formula from a pump - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to miss a pulse ox when it's gone because then you can't sleep because you're terrified that your child will stop breathing - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to hook your child's ventilator up to a car battery because the power is out, while screaming at the electric company to fix the problem and talking to the doctors and ordering an ambulance at the same time - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to call 911 more than you call the pizza delivery place - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to duck from flying hearing aids because your 2 yr old can't understand that they aren't toys and need to stay in his ears - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to watch "normal" healthy kids and make wishes for your child that you aren't sure will ever happen, like riding a bike or going to school or playing baseball - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have had more rides in ambulances in your life than in taxi cabs - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to go out in public and have people point and whisper about your baby, because he's in his stroller attached to a vent, oxygen tank, feeding pump, and pulse-ox - and yet you put on a cute little outfit or a baseball cap on his head in a feeble attempt to make him look less conspicuous and more normal - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to go into the ladies room and cry alone because you don't want your baby to see you crying beside his hospital bed - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to try to sing songs and read children's books to your child like everything is normal and you so desperately want all the normal things healthy families have, even though you don't know if your child will live through the week because he has a blood infection - again - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be told your child's kidneys are shutting down, oxygen levels are below 50, and he won't live through the night - but he does - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to travel with more electric equipment in your car than the FBI - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to spell D-I-A-P-H-R-A-G-M-A-T-I-C H-E-R-N-I-A in your sleep - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to hire home health nurses and then have to oversee them and make sure that they aren't sleeping when your child's vent pops off his trach at 1 am - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to jump up and down squealing because your child is walking - at 2 and a half yr old - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to battle the school system and have an IEP for a child who has a feeding tube, hearing aids, thick eyeglasses and being told that they "can't handle all his issues" so you are better off homeschooling - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to consider moving to another country to get their universal health care because your child doesn't qualify for any decent insurance with all his pre-existing medical conditions and you can't afford the medical bills of the $6 million dollar baby unless you make so little money that you qualify for Medicaid - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be asked "so what caused him to be sick?" while being looked at like YOU did something to cause it - and have the only answer that anyone has to that question "I DON'T KNOW!" - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to carry medical records with you every where you go "just in case" - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to perform CPR on your own child - more than once - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to plan holidays and vacations around hospitalizations, doctor visits, therapy appts and cold and flu seasons - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to not be able to go home for Christmas because your child could catch a cold that would kill him - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to grieve a LIVING child because your dreams are gone, then living with the guilt of feeling that way - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to try to communicate with a child who can't talk and struggles with sign language to the point that both of you cry - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be young and have the responsibility of not only being a parent but a parent of an extremely special needs child - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to scream down the hospital hallway "Help! My child can't breathe!" or "Where is my son's 2:00 meds?" or "He is allergic to that!" - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to leave the hospital without your baby but with his bed sheets and linens instead because he's allergic to EVERYTHING and so you wash them in gentle detergent and bring them back for him - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to live in constant worry that another child will spill his milk on your child, sending him into anaphylactic shock if the epi pen you carry EVERYWHERE isn't given fast enough - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be in the hospital so much you're on a first name basis with your surgeons, PICU doctors, nurses, secretarial staff and the cleaning crew - to the point that you double-date with your spouses, take vacations together and still send each other Christmas cards 15 yrs later - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be in the hospital so long that when you come home you actually miss the cafeteria food - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to spend every hour that visiting isn't permitted in the PICU in the medical library, looking up your child's birth defect because NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL IT IS or where you can find information or support. And then spending hours beside your child's hospital bed with a medical terminology book translating it all - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be told that your child won't live to be transported to the larger hospital so you should say good-bye - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to have a surgeon tell you "we've done this surgery so many times on him that we aren't sure how else to go in there" - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to watch your child's first haircut being done by a nurse to prep for an IV going into this head instead of at the barber - and still taking photos of it for his baby book - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be told that your son will never see or hear or breathe on his own, and then show them that they are wrong - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be so frustrated with feeding therapy, begging your child to please "take just one bite for Mommy, PLEASE" - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to be so excited to meet a medical professional who UNDERSTANDS what CDH is and who really, truly cares about these kids, your kid, and how that person now has your gratitude and part of your heart forever - just for caring - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to lose your child - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to lose your child in your own arms, while they look up at you and you try and try to save them but can't - and the guilt you live with every day for not being able to perform a miracle, the impossible, more than even the doctors because you're mommy and you're supposed to do the impossible - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to pick out the clothes your child will be in forever, buried in and what toys and books to pack with him - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to cry so much your heart feels like it's coming out of your throat because you miss your baby so much - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to mourn and grieve and try to make something good come from all the sadness without going over the deep end and trying to make a martyr out of your child's memory and turning them into a superhero instead of ... your baby .... because you want to remember them for who they were and not who you wanted them to be - unless they have been there themselves.

No one knows what it's like to ask God a different "Why my child?" question millions and millions of times until He cries with you - unless they have been there themselves.

I know, because I have been there. I didn't read it in a book or in someone else's story. I didn't learn about this from an article or research abstract. I don't pretend to understand things I never experienced. I lived it all. I cried it. I survived it. I woke up to every single day. I slept with it on my mind every single night. I was immersed in this world of CDH for 6 and a half years. I still am. CDH is more just a birth defect. It's more than a day or a few weeks in the hospital. It's more than 1 surgery. It's every single moment in a cherub's life. Every single one. I know this because I lived it.

And I know over 2200 other moms who have lived it too. Who understand. Who didn't learn from book or stories but who lived it. Parts of it or all of it. They understand. They are the moms and dads and children of CHERUBS.

http://www.cdhsupport.org

New Contact Information for CHERUBS

Phone: 919-610-0129
Fax: 815-425-9155

CHERUBS
3650 Rogers Rd, #290
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Dawn M. Williamson, President & Founder
dawn.williamson @ cherubs-cdh.org (no spaces)

New Blog Ring For CDH Families

We have started a new blog ring for CDH families so that we can all keep up with blogs and CDH families and make sure to send well wishes and prayers to those who need support and encouragement.

You sign up for free at http://www.ringsworld.com/cdhblogsring/join.html

CHERUBS Updates & Submission Deadlines

Dear Members and Friends,

I hope that this e-mail finds you all well. We have a few very fast approaching deadlines that I want to make sure that none of you miss so that all of our CDH families and medical professionals have the chance to participate:


CHERUBS Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research Site - http://www.cdhresearch.org
CHERUBS Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research Survey is the combined efforts of over 2000 CDH families and medical professionals. It takes information on the medical, family and exposure histories of CDH patients and compares data to look for the cause, prevention and better treatment of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Participation is voluntary, anonymous and free to all CDH families and medical staff. Data can be tabulated live for research and reference purposes free to all organizations, researchers and the general public. A fund has been set up for raise money for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research at http://www.firstgiving.com/cdhresearch



"Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness" Trademark - http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cdhawareness/index.html
Along with 7 other organizations who have CDH families' and medical professionals' best interests at heart, CHERUBS is petitioning the U.S. Patent & Trademark office to have this trademark removed so that everyone can promote CDH Awareness freely to help these babies. Personalized graphics for this campaign can be done for free by e-mailing either Barb at bwagner@cherubs-cdh.org or Fer at farce@cherubs-cdh.org, as well as personalized Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Ribbons

Stories of Cherubs Vol. II - http://www.cafepress.com/cherubs.91971767
In 2006, CHERUBS published "Stories of Cherubs" with over 300 stories of families dealing with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. The response has been so overwhelming that we are now printing Stories of Cherubs Vol. II. To participate, please e-mail your cherub's story, photo, name and date(s) to membership@cherubs-cdh.org The The submission deadline is October 20, 2008, publish date is November 30, 2008

Cooking with Cherubs Vol. III
The 3rd edition of our cookbook is coming out just in time for the holidays! Families, doctors, nurses and friends are welcome to donate recipes for this fun fundraiser! Please e-mail the appropriate section editors below with your recipe, name, state/country and who your recipe is in honor or memory of. The submission deadline is October 20, 2008, publish date is November 30, 2008
Breads & Rolls - Kim Switzer (kswitzer@cherubs-cdh.org)
Appetizers & Beverages - Stephanie Olivarez (solivarez@cherubs-cdh.org)
Soups, Salads & Vegetables - Elaine Moats (emoats@cherubs-cdh.org)
Main Dishes & Casseroles & Crockpot Recipes - Elaine Moats (emoats@cherubs-cdh.org)
Meat, Poultry & Seafood - Sharon Knott (sknott@cherubs-cdh.org)
Cakes, Cookies & Candy - Corin Nava (cnava@cherubs-cdh.org)
Pies, Pasty & Other Desserts - Bethany Gillham (bgillham@penskeautomotive.com)
Hypoallergenic Recipes - Barb Wagner (bwagner@cherubs-cdh.org)
This & That (Misc) - Barb Wagner (bwagner@cherubs-cdh.org)
Household Hints - Barb Wagner (bwagner@cherubs-cdh.org)


CHERUBS 2008 Yearbook and 2009 Calendar
Please get your 2009 Calendar photos in! Our first yearbook is coming out with our cherubs and families photos! Let's watch how our families grow through the years. All families are welcome to participate, with grieving families encouraged to hold a large portrait of their cherub in their family photos. The submission deadline is October 20, 2008, publish date is November 30, 2008
Please submit your photos through our web site at:
Surviving Cherubs - http://cdhsupport.org/members/album_cat.php?cat_id=2
Cherubs with Wings - http://cdhsupport.org/members/album_cat.php?cat_id=3
Family photos / updated photos - http://cdhsupport.org/members/album_cat.php?cat_id=50

CHERUBS 2008 Holiday Cards - http://www.cafepress.com/cherubs/3918237
It's that time of year again, time to get the kids to pull out some paper and crayons and draw pictures of angels for our holiday cards. All submissions will be submitted to our on-line store and the winner will be voted on on our site and printed on holiday postcards that will go around the world. Please submit drawings through our site at http://www.cdhsupport.org/members/album_cat.php?cat_id=53. Siblings and cousins under 18 are welcome to participate. The submission deadline is October 20, 2008, publish date is November 30, 2008


CHERUBS & CDH Awareness Events - http://www.cdhsupport.org/members/viewforum.php?f=184
Make sure to keep an eye on the events we have going, including our fundraisers, walks, bowl-a-thon, Angel Ball, Golf Tournaments, state and local get-togethers, and of course, our International Member Conferences.
http://www.cdhsupport.org/awareness has all our info on events. Don't miss our huge t-shirt sale! $5 for adult, $3 for kid's shirts - http://cdhsupport.blogspot.com/2008/09/congenital-diaphragmatic-hernia_29.html

Problems getting onto the forums? - http://www.cdhsupport.org/members
Our forums have 100's of CDH families talking, supporting each other, asking questions and learning and much, much more. At any time, day or night, you can talk 24/7 with another CDH who knows what you're going through. We really are like one big family and the support found and given is just amazing. If you haven't dropped by already, please make sure to do so. The following site administrators can help you if you encounter any problems:
Dawn - dawn_torrence@cherubs-cdh.org
Danielle - dkessner@cherubs-cdh.org
Corin - cnava@cherubs-cdh.org
Stephanie - solivarez@cherubs-cdh.org
Barb - bwagner@cherubs-cdh.org
Tara - thall@cherubs-cdh.org

Free blogs, photo albums and more - http://www.cdhsupport.org
Please keep in mind that CHERUBS has free blogs, photo albums, Myspace and Blogger templates and much more for our members and the public to use to raise CDH Awareness. Our free blogs and photo albums are especially useful for families as they are on a CDH site - unlike other blog sites who offer no other information about CDH - this allows your family and friends to learn and meet other CDH families when they visit your blog.
Blogs - http://cdhsupport.org/members/weblogs.php
Photo Albums - http://cdhsupport.org/members/album.php
Free Myspace & Blogger Templates - http://cdhsupport.blogspot.com/2008/05/free-cdh-awareness-blogger-templates.html

State & International Representatives - http://cdhsupport.org/volunteers/

CHERUBS has had state and international representatives for 10 years, providing our families with local support and get-togethers. If you would like to volunteer to be a Rep or on a committee, please contact us at volunteer@cherubs-cdh.org

We have a lot more going on at CHERUBS that will be posted in our next newsletter so stay tuned! Thank you all for your continued support of CHERUBS and families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
Sincerely,
Dawn M. Torrence
President & Founder
CHERUBS - The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support
http://www.cdhsupport.org