Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the March of Dimes 12th Annual Conference for Health Professionals. The conference was entitled, "Trends and Tribulations: Implications for Perinatal Care." The lectures were on a wide range of topics addressing congenital birth defects, research on the causes of preterm birth and maternal mortality (saving the lives of mothers). I was most interested in a lecture discussing universal newborn screening for congenital heart disease, as well as a lecture regarding research on genetic causes of congenital heart disease. Having been to quite a few conferences, I can say with some authority that this was an excellent educational event sponsored by the March of Dimes.
Why am I sharing this?? While some of you may be interested in my educational / intellectual endeavors, the main reason I mention it is because I want to make you aware of some of the important work that the March of Dimes is involved in. At this conference, there were hundreds of medical professionals (nurses, doctors, midwifes) who, after two days, left with more knowledge about how to save the lives of babies and mothers. There were clinical scientists presenting ground-breaking research on prevention of preterm labor and birth, genetic research and studies addressing the health of pregnant women.
Maybe you didn't know that the March of Dimes provides long term grant support to researchers studying congenital defects. Since 1954, 13 scientist supported by the March of Dimes have received the Nobel Prize. Grants from the March of Dimes have led to many important discoveries, such as the genetic causes for Marfan syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. One of the more interesting speakers at the conference was presenting an update on work being done at the Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University. This state of the art, interdiscipinary center was funded by a $20 million grant from the March of Dimes.
As a mother who has lost her daughter to a severe congenital heart defect, I have the utmost appreciation for the mission of the March of Dimes. I want to live to see the day where we understand the causes of and risk factors for the congenital defects that are affecting our babies. To know how to prevent preterm births and how to better care for our preterm infants. For all babies to be screened for life-threatening conditions that are treatable once identified. For every woman to experience a healthy, full term pregnancy without compromising her own health. I will campaign for the March of Dimes from now until I see my daughter again.
Which leads me to the March for Babies. Last year, only a few months after the loss of our daughter, I learned about the March. This national "walkathon" generates funds to support the mission of the March of Dimes to pursue all of the goals I have detailed above. We founded a team called "For Love of Angeline" in 2011. We became one of the top family teams at our community's walk, and I was the top family walker - all thanks to the very generous support offered by our family, friends and colleagues. In 2012, Team "For Love of Angeline" is off to a great start. We have added several teammates who are actively campaigning as well. Two of my friends who are participating also have children who have been affected by congenital defects and preterm birth. They have been inspired by our efforts to join with us and raise funds for this most important cause.
As I see it, the mission of the March of Dimes should matter to everyone. Have you had a healthy baby? If yes, give because you are thankful. Have you had a baby too early? Give because your child benefited from care in NICU and survived. Have you lost a pregnancy owing to preterm labor or preeclampsia? Give because these are two areas of very active research supported by the March of Dimes. Have you experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or recurrent pregnancy loss? Give because you want to encourage research on genetic diseases and risk factors for miscarriage and late pregnancy loss. Perhaps you don't have a baby yet, but may have one someday. Give because the work of the March of Dimes may one day save your child's life. No one is going to do this for our children if we won't.
I hope I have encouraged you to consider supporting this amazing organization. Maybe you will rise to the challenge of starting a family team in your community or participating in a company team through your employer. If you cannot participate in your area for whatever reason, please consider making a contribution to our team via the March for Babies website (link on sidebar). No gift is too small. We would love to know that Angeline touched you and helped move you to support the fight for babies' lives.
