Every February, Children's of Alabama shines a spotlight on pediatric heart care as part of American Heart Month, recognizing the patients and families who receive treatment at its nationally ranked Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.

The center, staffed by more than 300 medical professionals, provides advanced cardiac care to thousands of children each year. In 2024 alone, the team performed more than 850 cardiac catheterizations and electrophysiology procedures, along with over 525 cardiac surgeries. Among those were nine heart transplants and nine ventricular assist device implants.

"This is a comprehensive heart center, which means any heart problem that your child has, we can take care of it," said Robert Sorabella MD, a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at Children's of Alabama. "We have some of the best results in the country."

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting nearly 40,000 newborns annually. These conditions arise when the heart or blood vessels do not form properly before birth. While some are detected at birth, others may not show symptoms until later in childhood. The chances of survival depend on the severity of the defect, the timing of diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment.

Children's of Alabama is a leader in CHD treatment, consistently ranked among the nation's top 25 pediatric heart centers by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital's "heart hospital within a hospital" includes 20 private cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) rooms with four ECMO suites, 16 private intermediate critical care unit rooms, two cardiovascular operating rooms and two cardiac catheterization labs.

"The way I see it, no one ever wants to come see us," Sorabella said. "We understand that, but we should all have the comfort of knowing that we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to save a child's life."

To raise awareness about CHDs, Children's of Alabama is hosting events and sharing stories throughout February. More information is available at www.childrensal.org/heart-month.

ANNUAL VALENTINE'S DAY CARD DRIVE

Additionally, the hospital is offering the public a way to brighten Valentine's Day for its young patients. Through Feb. 14, individuals can send free greeting cards by selecting one of three music-themed designs at www.childrensal.org/valentines. Hospital staff will distribute the cards to patients on Valentine's Day.

Spire, a sponsor of Children's since 2017, is supporting the card drive and will match donations up to $5,000 during the campaign. Due to infection control protocols, the hospital cannot accept in-person gift donations, handmade cards, food, candy, stuffed animals, toys depicting violence, religious items or homemade textiles.

For more information about supporting Children's of Alabama patients, visit www.childrensal.org/foundation.