February is Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health - including the 1 in 100 babies born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). For my family, CHD awareness isn’t just a cause - it’s personal. My daughter, Mackenzie, was born with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) and underwent open-heart surgery at just 2.5 months old. Watching her fight through recovery was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced as a mother, but it also became the inspiration behind Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia.
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects in the U.S., affecting approximately 40,000 babies each year. These conditions range in severity, from small holes in the heart to complex defects that require multiple surgeries. Some babies need intervention within days of birth, while others require lifelong care.
Common types of CHDs include:
Mackenzie’s journey led me to sewing matching headbands for my daughters while she recovered from surgery. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business with a purpose - helping moms and their little ones celebrate childhood while also raising awareness for congenital heart defects. Today, Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia is more than a brand—it’s a mission to educate, uplift, and inspire.
This February, let’s shine a light on heart warriors like Mackenzie and all the children and families navigating congenital heart defects. 💙❤️
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Amber Bowie
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