This year marks the 75th year of the March of Dimes. In those 75 years, they have made many important medical discoveries and breakthroughs that allow micro-preemies like Finn, and ones born even sooner, a chance at survival. We are so thankful for this organization and for all the milestones that have made!
1950's: In the 1950's the polio vaccine was the calling card of the March of Dimes. This is the same polio vaccine that is used today!
1960's: Newborn screening for PKU was introduced. Newborn screening for PKU and 29 other serious conditions help keep babies safe.
1970's: Marks the start of Newborn Intensive Care nurseries. These specialized care areas save the lives of thousands of premature and very sick babies each year.
1980's: Surfactant Therapy is introduced. Surfactant is a mixture of fat and proteins made in the lungs that is important for the lungs to develop properly. Premature infants may be born before their lungs make enough surfactant. Low amounts of surfactant lead to poor lung function. This new therapy helps tiny lings to breathe.
1990's: The March of Dimes leads the effort in folic acid education in pregnant women. Mommies being better educated about the benefits of folic acid leads to fewer babies born with neural tube defects.
TODAY: Now, the March of Dime is preventing premature births and are helping more babies get the strongest, healthiest start!
It is my hope and dream that someday, no mom has to endure the shock and trauma of delivering a baby prematurely, having her dreams of a pregnancy and delivery literally ripped from her. And that the roller-coaster ride of an extended NICU stay can be eliminated, and the newborn experience can be just as expected, instead of behind closed doors, in a sterile environment where a Mommy and Daddy can't even hold their child for days, weeks, or even months. Will you help us? You can donate on Finn's Fans March for Babies page.
***The US preterm birth rate fell for the sixth consecutive year in 2012 to 11.54 percent of all births, the lowest it has been in 15 years and a 10 percent decline since the 2006 peak of 12.8 percent, according to the National Center for Health Statistics report.
Source: http://www.marchofdimes.com/mission/mission-75.aspx
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