| Expected to be her family's Halloween treat, Catharine Aboulhouda instead arrived on the Fourth of July, weighing 1 pound, 10 ounces. Today, the five-year-old of Allentown, Pennsylvania has been named the March of Dimes 2008 National Ambassador. This appointment reflects the March of Dimes continued commitment to ensure every baby gets a healthy start in life.
Catharine was born 16 weeks early, measuring only 12 inches in length. Her story represents just one of the more than half a million babies born preterm each year in the United States. As the National Ambassador, Catharine and her parents, Susan and Mike, will travel the country throughout the coming year to share their story and help raise awareness of the growing crisis of premature birth, which has increased by more than 30 percent in the U.S. since 1981. They will be introduced at a news conference today at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania.
“The March of Dimes is committed to ensuring a healthy birth for every baby.” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Premature birth continues as the number one health problem for newborns. Babies who survive often suffer from serious, lifelong complications. We're proud to have the Aboulhouda family represent the March of Dimes nationally in an effort to help more babies be born healthy.”
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