Joe didn't realize this, but today, July 30th, is Gastroschisis Awareness Day. Gastroschisis is a birth defect that causes the baby's intestines to be found outside of the body. Soon after the baby is born, surgery will be needed to place the abdominal organs inside the baby’s body and repair the hole in the abdominal wall. Even after the repair, infants with Gastroschisis can have problems with nursing and eating, digestion of food, and absorption of nutrients.
Today Joe is promoting a nonprofit called Avery's Angels, which is dedicated to the cause of Gastroschisis. Avery's Angels provides support to families, funds the needs of the cause above all else, and encourages research to discover the causes and promote prevention.
Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation has grown to 200 volunteers across multiple continents as of July 2014. Joe applauds the work this organization does, and offers his best wishes to anyone suffering from this heartbreaking condition. May a day come when no child will be affected by Gastroschisis. Until then, Joe offers his thanks to the folks at Avery's Angels.
