E-MAIL NEWSLETTER December, 2005

Dear Friend,

Article image We Need Your Help.
Ask Members of Congress to Sponsor the “PREEMIE Act”.

The March of Dimes is conducting a national grassroots campaign to get the "PREEMIE Act" passed into law. If enacted, it would expand federal research, health education, and health services related to premature birth.

Please take a few minutes to tell Congress how important it is to be concerned about the growing rate of premature birth. Half-a-million babies are born prematurely every year in the U.S., an increase of 31% since 1981. Some of these babies will die; others may have to live with serious health problems. Urge your elected officials to add their names as cosponsors and work for swift enactment of this bill. See below for more information.

In this issues of Miracles, you can also read the story of premature triplets ... one born 18 days before the others!

Plus, if you're considering making a tax deductible donation to the March of Dimes, now is a good time, because your gift may count twice. (Please see the news about a matching gift offer in the column at right ...)

We wish you the very best of health and happiness during the holiday season.

  PERSONAL SPOTLIGHT: The McTriplets
  Dear March of Dimes,  
   


When we found out, after months of infertility treatments, that we were pregnant, we were so excited!

Then my husband Scott was in a bad accident at work a few weeks later and lost his leg. When I had to go to my first sonogram alone, he was still in the hospital, and I was hoping for some good news to bring back to him. Boy, did I get some!

The sonographer told me, "It's three..."

I thought she was talking about the measurement of something. When she asked if I had heard her, I replied, "Did you mean three BABIES?!" Bringing the sonograms back to my husband in the hospital was awesome.

The McBurney McTriplets

We feel kind of "lucky" that we knew from the beginning that the NICU would be part of our babies' lives and that we were able to prepare for it. We knew that triplets would definitely be born before term. We just didn't know how early that would be.

My preterm labor started at 12 weeks. I had two surgeries and was in the hospital for a week each time and sent home on strict bed rest. At my appointment at 23 weeks, I was sent to the hospital ...



  
 

 

  WHAT YOU CAN DO
Article image
Tell Congress What You Think

Speak Out on Behalf of Mothers and Children

Informing the U.S. Congress about the growing problem of premature birth and the devastating effects it can have on families is a key part of March of Dimes advocacy. America's children will benefit if representatives and senators agree to invest in and support initiatives designed to reduce the rate of premature labor and delivery.

Get Involved/Make a difference…

The March of Dimes is working with senators and representatives from across the country to enact the "PREEMIE Act" (S.707/H.R.2861) which would expand research into prematurity; increase public and health professional education; and provide federal support for prematurity-related health services. The principal bill sponsors are Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA).

Directing national resources to the problem of prematurity is key. Take a few minutes to tell your Senators and Representative why it's important to be concerned about the growing rates of premature birth. Explain your interest in prematurity and urge your elected officials to add their names as cosponsors and work for swift enactment of this bill.

Three easy and rewarding options for contacting your senators and representative:

  1. E-mail or fax a letter. (View a sample letter)
  2. Call the offices of senators and representative, or
  3. Meet with your senators and representative in your state. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
 

Thank you and be well,

Michael

Editor
Miracles Online
March of Dimes


This online newsletter is sponsored by the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Visit marchofdimes.com to read more. Share your comments, suggestions and feedback on this newsletter by e-mailing newsletter@marchofdimes.com.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. © March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 2005

  TIME IS RUNNING OUT ...
 


Make Your Donation Count Twice with a Matching Gift Offer from MedImmune!

Until the end of the year, every secure online donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to
a total of $50,000!

Special Matching Gift Offer Ends December 31st!

 

  
  TIP OF THE MONTH
 


Important Tests for Your Baby

Your baby will have some tests before she leaves the hospital. These newborn screening tests look for uncommon disorders of body chemistry which, without treatment, can lead to mental retardation, physical problems and even death. What tests will your baby get? That depends on where you live. Many states are expanding their screening program. However, only 23 states currently test for more than 20 of the 29 disorders recommended by experts, according to the 2005 March of Dimes state-by-state report card on newborn screening. To find out more go to:

www.marchofdimes.com/nbs

 
 



Honor a baby and make a charitable gift, too!

Create a permanent virtual band in a baby's name, and ask friends and family to donate in the child's name to the March of Dimes.


 

  
  DID YOU KNOW?
 


Up to 8 percent of pregnant women suffer from asthma, with symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. The good news is that asthma shouldn't hurt your baby - as long as it is well controlled. Fortunately, most asthma medications are safe in pregnancy. So if you have asthma, make sure to take your medication as directed and call your health care provider right away if your symptoms get worse. Join in the fight to defeat premature birth -- read and learn and pass the word. Let's give every baby a healthy full-term start.