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QUINCY, ILL -- Rome and Tiffany Frericks are turning heartbreak and tragedy into something positive.

Almost 2 years ago the Frericks lost their baby boy Cadan Christopher to a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia or CDH.

That's a condition where the diaphragm does not form and the organs are pushed into the chest cavity.

Since then they have devoted their time to fundraising for CDH research.

One out of every 2 thousand babies are born the CDH ,Tiffany and her family hope more research can help save babies in the future.

Tiffany Frericks says, "It's a heartbreaking diagnosis. If there is anyway that Cadan's life can change other peoples, like if changed our lives then it will be worth it."

That's why Tiffany organized the event Cadan's Carnival, and Halloween fundraiser with money donated to the research of CDH at Children's Hospital in St. Louis

A lot of work still needs to be done in diagnoses and treatment after they are born and helping to fund that will help other babies in the future,

"Dr Warne has hired a fetal surgeon and they are hoping to see if there is anyway they can do it in utero to help with the prognosis and chances of babies surviving when they are born," says Tiffany

Dawn Stupavsky also lost her daughter Allison Ann in 2001 to CDH.

But sadly, advancements in treatment of CDH haven't changed since 1984.

Dawn said, "I'm very hopeful that there will be a day in the future that they won't have to go through what we went through."

Tiffany also added," It's a very lonely and discouraging diagnosis, it's nice to have people there for you. I want people to know that this is common and that there are people who will be there for you."

Tiffany hopes that by continuing to educate people about CDH, there is hope for babies in the future.

"I think every little bit we can do to increase awareness will help get us closer to our goal and make it more of a priority with research and federal funding," said Tiffany

To help support funding for CDH, Cadan's Carnival will be help this Sunday  October 224, 2010 at Knight of Columbus in Quincy from 2 until 6.

It's great fun for the whole family filled with games, contest, hayrack rides, magic and a costume contest.

For more information you can call Tiffany at 653-3696.