CDH Research Bill and possible cross over treatments

I just read a heart breaking article from the New York Times about babies born dependent on painkillers.  At first, I had my pre-Maddie reaction "Some people shouldn't be allowed to have babies". But then I thought about the babies and realized that if the CDH research bill is passed, babies of addicts (and their adoptive and foster families) could benefit.

CDH Babies often become dependent on painkillers due their post-birth surgeries and complications.  THE CDH research bill will help fund research on the best ways to wean babies with addictions and overcome long-term problems. 

Which got me thinking, how else could benefit?
- Premies.  Often born with under developed lungs, Premies and CDH babies both face many of the same respiratory complications.  Help one group and the other benefits.
- Babies with heart defects.  Many CDH babies have underdeveloped hearts and suffer from one or another heart defect in addition to the CDH.  Any development in this field would help all babies with congenital heart defects.  Possibly children and adults with defects as well.
- Digestive problems.  Most CDH babies have underdeveloped or improperly developed digestive systems.  Research and treatment options may help anyone with Acid Reflux, Celiac Disease, Crohns,  IBS, Lactose Intolerance and so much more. 
- Transplant candidates.  Already there is a technology (ECMO) that allows the heart and lungs to be completely bypassed for a period of time while waiting for these organs to stabilize.   Further research on using these machines for longer periods of time or on older patients could have far reaching implications.
- Autoimmune diseases - CDH babies have very weak immune systems.  In addition to constantly protecting them from germs, parents and medical professionals also have to carefully consider the risks of medications and surgeries each time.  Any research that will help strengthen or protect their immune systems could cross over and potentially help HIV/AIDS patients. 
- Learning disabilities - many CDH babies suffer from long term learning disabilities, many of which the causes are unknown.  Research and treatment options exploring causes, prevention and treatment would clearly help millions.

this is just off the top of my head.  and i have no medical training, so it may not all be accurate or may be sorely understated.

But in 2010, a combined $117 million was used by the National Institute of Health to fund research and treatment options for Spina Bifada and Cystic Fibrosis and less then $5 million for CDH.  Even though all three strike the same number of children each year in America.  And CDH research could help sooo many babies, children and adults around the world.


Have you written your letter in support of CDH Research yet?