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Fall is here, the new school year has begun, and some of our chapters are preparing for or have just finished this season's WalkAmerica events. Thanks to all who were involved for their participation. And thank you for your help with Mothers March Online.

Our Personal Spotlight this month features a precious girl named Esperanza. Her parents didn't know much about premature babies until she was born. Because you're part of the March of Dimes family, we're sharing this story with you, as well as important information on:

• stress during pregnancy
• Academic Medicine article featuring the March of Dimes
• "Tip of the Month"

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

Dear March of Dimes, Hi, my name is Veronica and my husband and I had a premature baby on March 6, 2003. Our baby girl weighed in at 1 lb., 12 oz. and was 13 in. long. My husband and I didn’t know very much about premature babies. The NICU nurses at the hospital explained a lot to us and told us about the medications she was on and what they were used for. We eventually named our new daughter Esperanza. in English this means "Hope." She was getting surfactant therapy to help with her lungs as well as seven other medications. Hope went through blood transfusions and surgery because her intestine had a hole at the bottom. Hope had a colostomy bag for 2 months, and finally, when she weighed over 4 lbs. the surgeons put the colon back together. I had heard through a television ad that March of Dimes was having a WalkAmerica. I signed up and also had a few people join me to raise money. At that moment in time I realized that premature birth is more common than many people think. Now Esperanza is doing well and is coming home. She weighs 6 lbs., 11.8 oz. and is 18 in. long. The March of Dimes Web site has helped me research a lot of information on prematurity. I would like to personally thank the March of Dimes, and all of their supporters, for all the help. Veronica

Stress
Pregnancy is a stressful time for many women. You may be feeling happy, sad and scared—all at the same time. It’s okay to feel this way. Very high levels of stress may contribute to preterm birth or low birthweight in full-term babies, however, so you should try to learn ways to reduce stress.



Find out more about what you need to know from our Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center. sm

Study Published in Academic Medicine Finds March of Dimes Supports Top Scientists

Young scientists who win research grants from the March of Dimes are more productive, more likely to be on the faculty of prestigious research institutions, and more likely also to receive federal funding for their work than unsuccessful grant applicants, according to a study published in the July 2003 issue of Academic Medicine.

HOLIDAY CARDS

Looking to purchase holiday greeting cards--look no further. We have a catalog featuring nearly 100 different holiday cards to choose from. Many cards can be personalized for personal or business use and every purchase helps the March of Dimes save babies. To request a free catalog by mail - Click Here

Do you know of a baby who was born prematurely?
Visit our Prematurity
Web site.