Why We March for Babies

I must admit that until Bohdy was born, I didn't really know what the March of Dimes was. But now I credit March of Dimes research with saving our son's life. Minutes after birth he received surfactant therapy that was developed through March of Dimes-funded research. Without surfactant, Bohdy's lungs were too immature to expand and contract. We were told that even though he was born at 30 weeks, he suffered from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which made his lung and neurological development more like that of a 27-week premature infant. In addition to the surfactant, Bohdy received incredible neonatal care in the NICU for 8 1/2 weeks, during which our family benefited from various March of Dimes-funded programs and educational services. While our family has directly been touched by the March of Dimes' efforts to help premature infants, chances are, you've benefited from the MoD, too!! If you fit into any of the following categories, you've been helped by the March of Dimes...

You or your spouse are currently expecting a baby: You probably know it’s important to receive prenatal care, one of the best ways to ensure a healthy birth. Also, you probably know to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day through a multivitamin or fortified cereal to greatly reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The March of Dimes works to make sure these important steps are a part of everyone’s plan to have a healthy baby.

You have a child or grandchild who was born prematurely especially in the last 25 years: Chances are that child benefited from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a concept pioneered by the March of Dimes, and artificial surfactant, a life-saving substance. March of Dimes researchers helped develop surfactant and the proper way to administer it to enable premature lungs to expand and contract. It saves thousands of babies each year.

You have a child or grandchild 3 years old or younger: You’ve benefited from the March of Dimes support of the “Back to Sleep” initiative to make sure babies should sleep on their side or back to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

You have a child or grandchild 6 years old or younger: Your child has benefited from the March of Dimes' efforts to ensure children receive the rubella vaccine before starting school.

You have a child or grandchild 20 years old or younger: In that time, the March of Dimes has funded research into the newborn test that identifies sickle cell anemia, allowing for immediate and effective treatment.

You have a child or grandchild 30 years old or younger: You have benefited from the innovation of the sonogram or ultrasound pioneered by March of Dimes researchers.

You have a child or grandchild 40 years old or younger: You and your family have benefited from the PKU test given to every baby at birth. Before this test, families would take home their child unaware of special needs, and the condition would cause the child to develop mental retardation.

You have received a polio vaccination: Thanks to the research behind the Salk and Sabine vaccines funded by the March of Dimes, polio has been nearly eradicated.

Help save babies...sign up to walk in the 2011 March for Babies on April 30th or donate today by clicking below!