Whereas, In the United States, birth or congenital heart defects affect thousands of infants each year; and,

Whereas, Medical research shows that congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects and is the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths; and,

Whereas, Many babies born with congenital heart defects do not survive to adulthood because of a lack of donor hearts, unsuccessful medical attention, or the defect not being detected until days, weeks, months, or even years after birth; and,

Whereas, Medical professionals have identified at least 35 heart defects, and research remains to be done regarding origins, physical signs, symptoms, and surgical options regarding congenital heart defects; and,

Whereas, Children and adults with congenital heart defects, their families, and medical professionals have joined together to raise awareness about this disease; and therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of February 7, 2006, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.