This is the message 5-year old March of Dimes 2008 National Ambassador Catharine Aboulhouda, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and her mother, Susan Aboulhouda, are bringing to the State Legislator on Monday, February 4.

Currently, Pennsylvania requires newborns to be screened for hearing impairment and eight metabolic disorders that are detected by testing a few drops of blood, usually from a newborn’s heel, before hospital discharge.  A lack of screening for other known genetic and metabolic disorders puts every baby at risk because if unidentified and untreated, a seemingly healthy newborn could become seriously ill, resulting in brain damage, a coma, or even death.

Senator Jane Orie and Representative George Kenney introduced legislation that would expand Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening Program to include all 29 “core” treatable conditions recommended by American College of Medical Genetics, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the March of Dimes and require it to be performed regardless of the hospital where the baby is born.

In July the PA House unanimously passed Newborn Screening legislation, House Bill #883, and referred it to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee where it awaits consideration by the Senate.

“Babies must be screened to receive immediate treatment necessary to survive and thrive,” says Susan Aboulhouda.  “This is something we know about – we know what it is and that early treatment—sometimes as simple as a change in diet—can save lives. Let’s take care of this so we can focus on what we don’t know: what causes preterm birth.”

Catharine Aboulhouda was born 16 weeks early, measuring only 12 inches in length.  Her story, and fight for survival, is one shared by almost 17,000 babies who are born preterm annually in Pennsylvania.  As the National March of Dimes Ambassador, Catharine and her parents will be traveling across the country attending events and conferences, speaking with legislators, conducting interviews and appearing with corporate leaders, celebrities and the President of the United States to share their story and help raise awareness of health risks to pregnant women and newborns. 

Catharine will make office visits to individual Senators to ask for their support for House Bill #883 and will be acknowledged in the afternoon from the chambers of both the House and Senate.  

As Susan says, “Perhaps one reason Catharine came into the world early is to let people know that even the tiniest babies can make a difference.” 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.