Dr. Howse:  Our primary objective is to save babies' lives.  We'll do that by funding research to develop new ways to prevent and treat birth defects and premature birth.  By funding community programs that help pregnant women get the care they need. By advocating for legislation that would allow every baby to get 29 newborn screening tests that can protect them from deadly disorders.  And by expanding our NICU Family Support® project that brings information and comfort to families with a baby in intensive care.

Miracles:  What are the key obstacles to reducing premature birth?

Dr. Howse:  The biggest challenge we face is understanding what causes premature birth.   About 50% of premature births have no known cause.  The mother didn't smoke, she had no family history of prematurity, she did everything right, and she still had a premature baby.  We need research breakthroughs to help us understand why this happens and how it can be prevented.  That's why last year, I created a special research fund to focus exclusively on premature birth, and we now have 12 scientists around the world conducting investigations into prematurity.

Miracles:  Do you feel the March of Dimes is making progress in its mission?

Dr. Howse:  Yes.  We have a strong track record of delivering advances that save lives.  We funded the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines.  We created the concept of neonatal intensive care.  We funded early research on surfactant therapy, which has dramatically reduced infant deaths from respiratory distress.  We got folic acid added to the nation's grain supply and cut neural tube birth defects by nearly one-third.  Our volunteers and staff work every day to help pregnant women quit smoking, get prenatal care and learn about healthy behaviors. 

Miracles:  What new initiatives has the March of Dimes undertaken?

Dr. Howse:  One important new initiative is NICU Family Support.  We are hiring and training specialists to work with parents in the hospital who have just had a premature or sick baby.   We give them information, form parent support groups, and help parents get through one of the most difficult times in their lives.  We've put this project in place in 23 hospitals so far and we hope to reach every state by 2007.  A related project is our “Share Your Story” Web site where parents can get information and provide support and information to each other online. 

Miracles:  What parts of your role as President of the March of Dimes are most fulfilling?

Dr. Howse:  I really enjoy meeting volunteers and parents and children from across the country who have come together to support a common ideal through the March of Dimes.  Seeing their commitment and dedication to helping others is really inspiring.  I also enjoy hearing firsthand from our scientific researchers about their dreams and plans for improving human health.   It's good to know that the best and brightest minds in our country and around the world are working with a real sense of urgency to save babies.