| Every year, 476,000 families, including 268 here in Topeka welcome their new babies into the world prematurely; in fact one out of every eight babies arrives too early. Premature birth is a common, serious and costly problem for American families.
Baby Jesse was born to Kim Stolle on May 1, 2002 at only 24 weeks gestation. Weighing only 1 pound 12 ounces and only 13 inches long, Jesse's condition was critical. His lungs were under-developed and he could not breathe without the assistance of a ventilator and numerous medications. He was born with a heart defect that had to be surgically corrected only 10 days into his life. He also developed a number of infections and visual problems that had to be treated as well. After 4 1/2 months in a neonatal intensive care unit, Jesse finally went home. Today, Jesse remains on oxygen, numerous medications, and has daily breathing treatments. His mother says that his giggles and smiles are little tiny pieces of heaven. This child is a miracle. His determination and the help of many talented, generous people have given him a chance to live and make a difference.
Jesse is one of the more than 476,000 babies that are born every year too soon. These premature babies can suffer lifelong health consequences like mental retardation, blindness, chronic lung disease, and cerebral palsy. The March of Dimes is committed to finding solutions to the problem of preterm birth. With your help, we can save babies from being born to soon.
On November 19th, the March of Dimes Greater Kansas Chapter will invite healthcare professionals and community leaders to a Prematurity Summit at Capitol Plaza Hotel at 9.00 a.m. to call attention to the crisis of premature birth in America. Kim Stolle will be present to share she and baby Jesse’s story.
Also, during November, Motherhood Maternity stores, a national retail supporter of Prematurity Awareness Month, is giving customers who make a purchase a free gift bag with March of Dimes healthy pregnancy information. All Motherhood Maternity shoppers are invited to support the Prematurity Campaign by making a donation either in the store or on www.clicktosavebabies.org. In Topeka Motherhood Maternity is at West Ridge Mall.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects 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 five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org. |
