This week is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and today Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker made it official.

Mayor Walker presented a proclamation today announcing February 7 through the 14 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.

Congenital heart disease or "CHD" is considered to be the most common birth defect, and is a leading cause of birth-defect related deaths worldwide.

CHD affects nearly 2 million families in the U.S. including Lara Barnhouse, who says awareness is needed for research and support.

"These children they struggle. They are very strong willed and there is not a whole lot of research. The research is what helped saved these children's lives," Barnhouse says.

Blue Cotton will be selling CHD Awareness Week t-shirts to help raise money.

Employees at several Greenwood Mall stores will be wearing the shirts while also trying to raise funds.