Prematurity Awareness Day

Today is Prematurity Awareness Day!

Jacob was born at 24w5d weighing 1 lb 7 oz and 11.5 inches long. At his lowest, he weighed only 1 lb 4 oz which is the equivalent of a 20 oz bottle of soda or water.

He has come so far the past three years and is proof that miracles do happen!

Unfortunately, not all babies are as lucky as Jacob. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, the US earned a D for their efforts in preventing premature birth. The state of Massachusetts scored a C which is the highest grade ANY state in the US received. This is unacceptable! The rate of premature birth in the US is higher than that of most other developed nations!

Tonight the Empire State Building was lit up purple in honor of Prematurity Awareness Day. You can check it out here.

What can we do about this? A good place to start is the March of Dimes and their annual March for Babies! Every year my family walks to honor Jacob and all babies born too soon. If you want to help go here to make a monetary contribution to the March of Dimes.

If you would rather help by donating your time go here to learn about volunteer opportunities within the March of Dimes.

If you are interested in joining Team Chicken Wing and walking with us in May of 2011, send me a message and I will keep you posted with all the details!