"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. " -Helen Keller

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Today We Fight So They Don't Have To

I was one of the lucky preemie moms. My preemie was only 4 weeks early and he was big, strong, and healthy. Even still, it was almost 24 hours after his birth before I was able to hold him. Many preemie moms aren't nearly as lucky.

"Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States."

20 million is way, way too big a number. Even 1 is too big of a number if that one baby is yours. Today, November 17th, the March of Dimes is asking us raise people's awareness of the health crisis our tiniest babies face. There are so many ways you can help.
  1. Go by the March of Dimes Fight for Preemies page and learn more about the challenges these babies face.
  2. Donate your used cellphones. You don't even have to make a mailing lablel. You can print one out directly from that page.
  3. Join the March of Dimes Advocacy List. It only takes a tiny amount of time and will help you make your voice heard in this important fight. Join me. All the cool kids are doing it.
  4. Volunteer with the March of Dimes. They need time and energy from volunteers as much as they need money.
  5. Create a virtual wrist band to honor a baby you know who was born too early.
  6. Cara has a Wall of Angels and Aunt Becky has a Wall of Remembrance. Submit any important names.
  7. If you are crafty, consider making preemie hats, blankets, or booties and conating them through Preemie Presents or your local NICU.
Help us fight today, tomorrow, and always so hopefully at some point these precious little ones won't have to.

BTW, check out the entire list of Fight for Preemie posts here.

5 comments:

nancy said...

Thanks for the suggestions and knowledge about such an important topic.

Unknown said...

Dear Kristin:

On behalf of the March of Dimes, thanks so much for helping us spread the word about the serious issue of prematurity.

I love the list you gave people!. Everybody can find some way to help. If we all pull together, we can end this terrible health crisis.

With good wishes,
Pam
March of Dimes

Jen said...

my preemie (the earliest one) was 9 weeks early.I could not hold her for a couple days until she stabilized. It was pure hell. You've always got good info

Wishing 4 One said...

Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention. You are so good like that girl! Thanks! xoxoxo

Aunt Becky said...

Thank you so much. xoxo