(Buffalo, NY- November 15) - Pink and Blue. Two Colors. Two Countries. One Cause. That is what is behind the lighting of both the United States and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls.  In an effort to raise awareness of the growing problem of premature birth, the March of Dimes, in cooperation with the Illumination Board, lit the Falls in pink and blue today, Tuesday, November 15 – National Prematurity Awareness Day – to symbolize hope for premature babies and their families.
They came to the Niagara Falls Vistors Center’s Festival Theatre at 5:00 p.m., to let Western New York know that premature birth is a crisis in our community, and to send a message of hope for premature babies and their families.

Nearly half a million are born prematurely every year and the number is rising.  Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems which costs society billions of dollars every year.  That is why the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month.
“Premature birth is a growing problem in our country,” said Michael Sheehan WNY Board Chair.  “Pink and blue lights on Niagara Falls, symbolizes our efforts to send a message of hope for premature babies and their families, as well as a call attention to the crisis,” he added.

Over 50 moms and their families were on hand for the lighting ceremony and to hear local medical pioneer, Dr. Edmund Egan speak about Infasurf, a live-saving drug that reduces the morbidity and mortality of premature newborn infants.  Dr. Egan, president of ONY Inc., co-created the drug in the early 80’s.

Joining the Prematurity Awareness Month Campaign are M&T Bank and Iskalo Development Corp. which are lighting their buildings, One M&T Plaza and the Electric Tower, in pink and blue to show community support in the fight against the growing crisis of premature birth.  The high visibility of both buildings will help enhance the message that we must come together and develop a coordinated response to realize a day when all babies are born healthy. 

The March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes and by supporting programs that offer hope and help to families with a baby in intensive care.  As part of that effort, the March of Dimes wants women to know there are steps they can take to reduce their risk of premature birth. Visit marchofdimes.com and click on “I want my 9 months” to learn more.