During the last several months, our community has experienced unprecedented changes not only in the way we conduct clinical practice, but also in the fashion with which we live our daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our existence, with over one million individuals having succumbed to the virus worldwide. However, we will endure these historic events and become better, as a global community, than ever before. The leadership of the World Database for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery wishes to express our deepest thoughts and prayers to all our colleagues who have experienced personal and professional tragedies as a result of this pandemic. Through the hardship and suffering, a renewed sense of comradery and collaboration has emerged. Societies across the globe, particularly those dedicated to the care of congenital heart disease, have shared experiences, provided tangible support, and cared for each other during these challenging times. We need to continue to pull together as a community; it is the only way we will be successful in defeating this insult to humanity.
Sincerely,
James K. Kirklin, Database Chair
James D. St. Louis, Database Vice Chair/Secretary
Erle Austen, Chair, CHSS Quality Committee
Robert Dabal, WDPCHS Quality Committee
Marcelo B. Jatene, WSPCHS President
Christo I. Tchervenkov, WSPCHS Executive Director