| E-MAIL NEWSLETTER | November, 2004 |  |
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Dear Friend, In this month's Personal Spotlight, we feature the story of Lif
and Plez and their constant battle with RSV. Because you are part
of the March of Dimes family, we're sharing their story, as well
as the following:
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Thank you for supporting the second annual Prematurity Awareness
Day on November 16. Buildings, bridges and landmarks across the
country were lit in pink and blue to remind Americans of the growing
crisis of premature birth. Many of you took time out to visit our
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| Dear March of Dimes, |
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In May 2001, six weeks early, we welcomed
our twin boys, Lif Conner (4 lbs., 6 oz.) and Plez McGhee (5 lbs.,
1 oz.). Our sons remained in the NICU for 15 days after they were
born. The months that followed were filled with many scary days and nights. Our twins - in a high-risk category: preemies, low birthweights, multiple birth, males and a family history of asthma - contracted respiratory syncytial virus (known as RSV) five times in two short years. As a result, they have multiple doctors including a pediatrician, an immunologist, an allergist, a sinus disease specialist and a pediatric pulmonologist. Our boys were only four months old when the pediatrician diagnosed
them with RSV for the first time. They were sent home with a nebulizer.
We did not understand the dangers of RSV before that time, but now
we understand all too well that RSV is a common and highly contagious
virus that causes symptoms like the common cold for most kids (almost
100% of children will have RSV before they turn two). But for premature
infants, or babies born with chronic lung disease or congenital
heart disease, RSV can cause severe, even life-threatening illness. Later that February, we rushed the twins to the ER, where we insisted they be tested yet again for RSV. The staff told us to take our babies home since the lab would not have results for several hours. Finally, the hospital called and told us to return immediately. The boys had RSV again. The doctors increased their medications and added a strong antibiotic. Unfortunately, that was not the end of our experience with RSV. Our boys contracted RSV for the fourth time when they were 19 months old and for the fifth time just a few months later. Their respiratory systems just could not rebound fast enough. Both boys have scarring in their lungs and still receive nebulizer treatments at the age of 3½. But as parents, we believe the shots during RSV season helped to keep our twins out of the hospital more than once. We encourage parents to be aware, request testing if you suspect RSV and to act quickly if there is a diagnosis. Be prepared to get second opinions and to stand your ground with your insurance company - it is your child's health and maybe even his life at stake. Lori & Patrick For more information on RSV visit: |
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Flu and Pregnancy IMPORTANT: The United States is experiencing a severe shortage of flu vaccine this winter. Pregnant women are on the priority list for the limited supply of vaccine. If you are pregnant, make an appointment with your health care provider for a shot as soon as possible.
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| Why Are African-American Women Twice as Likely
to Have a Premature Baby?
March of Dimes Says Research is the Answer NEW YORK CITY, OCT. 22, 2004 – No one knows why African-American women go into labor three or more weeks early, more often than babies of any other race or ethnicity, according to the March of Dimes.
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The Salk vaccine field trial began on April 26, 1954. To commemorate this historic anniversary, Miracles is bringing you different vintage photographs from the March of Dimes archives taken during the polio vaccine rollout 50 years ago. « Sammy Davis, Jr., helped support the March of Dimes. | |
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Best, Editor Miracles Online March of Dimes |
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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 and infant mortality. Visit marchofdimes.com
to read more. Share your View past issues of Miracles online by visiting the new |
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| HOW YOU CAN HELP | ||
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Support the March of Dimes and your donation will go twice as far! Please consider making a secure online donation today to help save babies! Donate Now |
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 Join others in the fight to defeat premature birth, and help give every baby a healthy start.
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| HOLIDAY CARDS | ||
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 Looking to purchase holiday greeting cards for your business? Look no further. We have a catalog featuring nearly 100 different holiday cards to choose from. Many cards can be personalized, and every purchase helps the March of Dimes save babies. |
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| EBAY AUCTION | ||
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Don't miss this Department 56 ebay auction.
All gross proceeds from this auction will go to the March of Dimes.
Bid on a very rare "Belle's House- A 20th Anniversary Edition"
item from Department 56. The finely detailed and hand-painted porcelain
set of two features an intricate first level bay window. From an
open second story window, Belle catches a glimpse of her lost love
"Scrooge." The front door is adorned with a hand-painted
"Belle's" sign. This two-piece set was modified by Department
56 designers from the 2003 introduction "Belle's House." |
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| TIP OF THE MONTH | ||
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Does your baby need a flu shot?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that healthy children between 6 and
23 months of age be vaccinated against the flu. That's because infants
and toddlers are at high risk of flu-related complications, such
as pneumonia, that may require a hospital stay. |
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