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Farmington, CT – More than twenty Bank of America representatives gathered at Uconn Health Center in Farmington on Monday, June 4th to donate 85 baby-themed baskets to the March of Dimes NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) Family Support Project in support of the project’s initiative of providing comfort to families with babies in intensive care. Baskets included supplies and preemie sized clothing.
“Bank of America has a long standing partnership with the March of Dimes and we believe strongly in the March of Dimes mission of improving the health of babies,” said Terri Smolley, Senior Operations Consultant for the Northeast Business Support Team and President of Team Bank of America Volunteer Network. “Bank of America associates not only participated in March of Dimes WalkAmerica in April and raised over $13,000; they also enthusiastically purchased baby items and crafted the baskets to donate specifically to families who are faced with the frightening experience of having their precious baby born too soon or too sick.”
Bank of America associates also toured the NICU and met with families who currently have newborns in intensive care. Each baby in the unit received a basket.
“My son was here 21 years ago. I was very impressed with the growth that has happened since then. The number of babies it can now accommodate and the rate of success stories because of its growth and technology is wonderful. Connecticut is very lucky to have a facility such as this,” said Deb Coulombe, Bank of America associate.
“The families in the unit are so appreciative of the baskets and parents who were in the unit during Bank of America’s visit were thrilled to have the opportunity to thank them personally for their generous donation,” said Jeanne Lattanzio, RN, and March of Dimes NICU Family Support Specialist.
Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death and many lifelong disabilities. More than half of premature births occur for unknown reasons. The March of Dimes is funding research to find the causes of prematurity and ways to address them. NICU Family Support aims to enhance emotional support and resources for families with premature infants in neonatal intensive care. The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program in Connecticut is provided in part through a grant by NewAlliance Foundation, a proud partner of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.
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