The Brexton Foundation

Power may come and go, but the influence we have on others can last a lifetime.

As we come to the end of July, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, we remember that those who have lost a baby suffer all year long. 💔 It is crucial to shine a light on an issue close to our hearts: congenital heart disease (CHD). Despite being the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 babies, CHD remains severely underfunded and under-researched. For those of us who have lost a child to CHD, the pain is immeasurable. We live with the reality that more research and funding could have made a difference. Our angels’ lives were brief, but their impact is profound. Let’s come together to raise awareness, support bereaved parents, and advocate for more funding for congenital heart disease research. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆.

Every smile tells a story of strength. 💖

I now have 7 friends who, in the last year, quit their full time jobs after having a child. These women are such rockstars and I’m sure their companies were devastated when they gave notice. When I asked them if they would have stayed - if part time, reduced hours (and a revised version of their job) would have been presented as an option - every single person said yes. Every single one!!! Extended leave is great. Paid, extended leave is even better. Flexibility and WFH upon return is critical. But, companies have got to start having a conversation around how to modify and adjust senior, executive level jobs. Leaders are simply losing too many amazing, seasoned professionals with an all or nothing employment model. That is all. Happy Tuesday!

Hello July! ☀️🕶️🌤️ As we welcome this new month, we also step into Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. This time is dedicated to recognizing the deep sorrow that accompanies the loss of a child, a grief that is both intense and indescribable. For those who have experienced this unimaginable loss, we understand that the pain can be overwhelming and ever-present. As a bereaved parent myself, I know the weight of this grief and the longing for our beloved children who are no longer with us. During this month, let us come together to support one another with empathy and compassion. Whether through sharing our stories, offering a listening ear, or simply being present, we can help each other navigate this difficult journey. To all the bereaved parents, know that your love and strength honor your child’s memory every day. You are not alone in your grief, and together, we can find moments of healing and hope. With heartfelt sympathy, Sibrana O., Brexton’s Mom The Brexton Foundation 🤍

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) affects nearly 1 in 100 newborns, making it the most common birth defect. Yet, CHD research receives significantly less funding compared to other health issues. This gap in funding means fewer advancements in treatments and support for affected families. When you donate, your contribution directly supports and provides essential resources for those living with CHD. Your donation here makes an immediate impact. Together, we can bridge the funding gap and bring hope to thousands of families. 💙 Donate today and help us make a difference: https://bit.ly/BREXdonate

Sending love to those who have lost their child, are missing their child, wishing they were a father, medical dads, foster dads, and those missing their dad or a father figure. 💙🤍

Atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) is a significant issue for many living with congenital heart disease (CHD). It occurs when the heart's atrioventricular valves—mitral and tricuspid—do not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This can strain the heart, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. One of the toughest parts about treating AVVR, especially in babies is the size of the valves. Right now, there is no suitable option for atrioventricular valves smaller than 15mm. These tiny valves are often found in infants and young children, making treatment especially tricky. Surgical options like valve repair or replacement are often not possible for these very small valves, and there are not many, if any suitable prosthetic valves available in such small sizes. There is a lack of suitable prosthetic valves for such small sizes, complicating treatment efforts. This lack of options highlights the urgent need for more research and innovation in pediatric cardiology. Community support is crucial in the battle against congenital heart disease. By raising awareness, advocating for research funding, and supporting families dealing with AVVR, we can work towards better solutions and improved outcomes for all CHD babies. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞. To learn more or get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Wrapped up the school year with a special donation from The Brexton Foundation to raise awareness for congenital heart disease. As we work to secure funding for collaborative research with a pediatric cardiac institution, our mission remains clear: to serve and support our heart community and individuals with complex CHD, provide early intervention strategies, valuable resources, and direct support to their families, ensuring no one faces this journey alone. Here’s to giving hope to all CHD babies to help them thrive into 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝. ❤️🙏🏼 #CHDAwareness #CommunitySupport #BrextonFoundation #congenitalheartdefect #congenitalheartdisease

CHD is the most common birth defect, yet #awareness is still lacking. Did you know that congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, yet #research for CHD is significantly #underfunded compared to other health conditions? Despite its #prevalence, #funding for CHD research and support lags behind, leaving many families without the resources they need. #CHDresearch #forthebabies #complexCHD