March for Babies

Today more than 1400 babies in the U.S. will be born prematurely. The rate of premature births increased almost 35% between 1981 and 2005. In Oklahoma alone the rate of premature births increased 26% between 1992 and 2002. 13 babies die every day as a result of prematurity/low birthweight. About 1 in 8 babies in the United States is born prematurely.
The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Here is just a few of the highlights of what the March of Dimes has done to help save babies like Ryan:
1970s—Indomethacin Therapy. the drug indomethacin could be used to correct patent ductus arteriosus, a heart condition common in premature infants. Ryan would have had to have heart surgery without this drug.1980s—Prevention of Newborn Jaundice.development of a drug to help prevent newborn jaundice. If left untreated, newborn jaundice can damage the brain and central nervous system. Ryan received treatment for jaundice for more than 2 months during his stay in the NICU.1980s and 1990s—Surfactant Therapy. surfactant therapy to prevent and treat RDS. Surfactant is a detergent-like substance produced in the lungs that aids in breathing. Since surfactant therapy became widespread, infant deaths due to RDS have dropped by over two-thirds. The March of Dimes continues to support research to develop new and more effective surfactant therapies. Ryan was diagnosed with RDS. This drug is by far the one thing that probably led to Ryan's survival. 1990s—Nitric Oxide Therapy. the approval of nitric oxide to treat newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), life-threatening high blood pressure in the baby’s lungs that often interferes with breathing. Brandy was on nitric oxide during her hospitalization after her heart surgery.1990s—Fish Oil Therapy to Prevent Preterm Delivery. research studies found that fish oil capsules may help prevent preterm delivery. Since 1996 the March of Dimes has invested over $300,000 to support this and related research. I am currently taking fish oil per recommendation of my OB.
We want to help fund the research and work of March of Dimes. Last year this community, with the help and guidance of the local high school students, raised a fantastic amount of money to help our family with medical expenses. All monies that were not used for our medical expenses were to be given to help other families with premature babies. Let's do it again! Ryan was premature. Brandy was premature. My brother David was premature. Think of all the other families here in our community or within our realm of influence that have dealt with the trauma of prematurity. Some have taken their miracle babies home, and some have said that final good-bye. We feel incredibly blessed to have our little miracle home with us. By statistics he only had about a 20% chance of surviving. God has given us a miracle. God saved his little life, and God has great plans for him...I just know it!
Please help us raise awareness about prematurity, birth defects, and infant health. We have started a team for the March for Babies. If you would like to be a part of our team and help raise money, or if you would rather just donate to this incredible cause please go to our team website: www.marchforbabies.org/503506. You can even donate online. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to e-mail me.
A few final notes...I have very little experience with walk-a-thons and fundraising for things like this so please be patient and provide any advice as you see fit. And for my wonderful English teachers...all the statistics provided came from the marchofdimes.com website. I give them all credit for all preceding information supplied.