DENVER, Colo., Sept. 22, 2005/The March of Dimes has created an online community for parents and other family members of sick babies to share information and seek support. The site is located at http://www.marchofdimes.com/share. There, people can read message boards, ask questions, read stories of others’ experiences and share their own. Plus, one can link to a range of information at the online March of Dimes Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center.

“Whether because of prematurity, birth defects or other health problems, every day Colorado families are faced with the frightening experience of caring for an unwell newborn. Connecting with others in the same position can help,” said Nadia Shamsuddin, program services director of the March of Dimes Colorado Chapter. “Marchofdimes.com/share has been designed especially to meet this need.”

Shamsuddin added that the “share” site is one in a series of March of Dimes resources designed to help families cope with the challenges of an ill infant. Another is NICU Family Support, a hospital-based program that provides specially designed booklets, tapes and emotionally-supportive programs. The March of Dimes program is currently offered at The Children’s Hospital in Denver.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The organization funds research, community services, education and advocacy. Currently in Colorado, the March of Dimes funds nearly $1.4 million in healthy-baby programs. More information may be obtained at http://www.marchofdimes.com/ (English) or http://www.nacersano.org (Spanish).

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Media contact:

Becky Herlinger

March of Dimes Colorado Chapter

Phone (303) 692-0011

E-mail bherlinger@marchofdimes.com