March of Dimes aka for Babies
When one thinks of the March of Dimes – one may think ”the charity for babies.” Many of their stats are often baby-centric. Their most recent representation:
Two babies die every hour in the U.S. And about every 12 hours a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. It’s not fine. But together we can do something about it.1
Once I researched March of Dimes, I discovered that March of Dimes is so much more.3
1921 The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis Inc.
At the start, it was a movement driven by Franklin D. Roosevelt for Polio. Polio aka “the crippler” to many young children. FDR, being affected by polio himself, started the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis Inc. in 1921. Polio was sweeping the country and he asked everyone to join the cause. With the Great Depression also affecting the nation, Eddie Cantor stated in a radio broadcast that, “Nearly everyone can send in a dime, or several dimes.”4 Cantor’s pun on this being a March for Dimes, resulting in the name sticking after the 1938 campaign. The funds raised during this campaign lead to the creation of the polio vaccines in the 1950s. In the course of twenty years, cases of Polio were abolished.
1961 Phenylketonuria (PKU)
With Polio being resolved, March for Dimes turned its focus to infant health issues. In 1961, a new screen for PKU was created.
Phenylketonuria (commonly known as PKU) is an inherited disorder that increases the levels of a substance called phenylalanine in the blood. Phenylalanine is a building block of proteins (an amino acid) that is obtained through the diet. It is found in all proteins and in some artificial sweeteners. If PKU is not treated, phenylalanine can build up to harmful levels in the body, causing intellectual disability and other serious health problems. 6
Over the next twenty years, the groundwork was done for testing nationwide. Although the screen helped determine the existence of the disorder, life with the disorder is no cake-walk. I came across the story of Claire and Oliver – children living with PKU.7 Their lifestyle is that of a child with severe food allergies and diabetes combined.
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) (1985)
In 1985, new research was underway for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and Tore Curstedt and Bengt Robertson developed a surfactant replacement therapy. Surfactant replacement therapy has saved millions of babies to date – myself included.
Folic Acid Campaign (1994)
By the 1990’s, the focus shifted from the health of the baby to the health of the mother. In 1994, a campaign was designed to educate women about the importance of Folic Acid. Folic Acid – a nutrient not naturally created by the body – but necessary for proper fetus development. As a result, the FDA began adding the Folic nutrient to most breads and pastas. With these combined efforts, neonatal tube defects were reduced by 33%.
The Societal Impact of Premature Births
Present day, current research subjects around the genetic indicators of preemies and uterine health. Ultimately, the focus is to determine the leading causes of premature births. A premature baby is any baby born before 37 weeks – 8 months of age. An article from March of Dimes notes the impact of preemies on a society and the findings are shocking.11
The Cost on Society
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The cost of premature births is not limited to the first year of life – the impact is life long.
In 2007, the Institute of Medicine reported that the cost associated with premature birth in the United States was $26.2 billion each year.
About 1 in 3 children born prematurely needs special school services at some point during their school years… The Institute of Medicine says these services cost an estimated $2,200 per year per child.
Premature birth can affect a person’s being able to work, the amount of work he can do or both. Some adults who were born prematurely may have long-term health conditions that prevent or limit them from working.
A Birth Story
As I read through these and other statistics, I couldn’t help but laugh at the poster child I am. Born two months early, I came into this world as an emergency C-section. At 21’ (full length) and 4lbs 6 oz, I was rushed from Saint Jacques to Boston’s Floating Hospital – where I was kept in NICU for two weeks. During my time there, they saved my life. Thanks to the discovery of Tore Curstedt and Bengt Robertson, my lungs were able to develop properly and I quickly fattened with milk-fillers. Health challenges continued throughout my childhood and into adulthood. From a learning disability – endless neurological testing and tutoring, health complications – diagnosed as asthma and severe dietary allergies (empirically linked to premature birth), and many life decisions – determined by a state or employer’s health coverage. I overcame the struggles I was faced with, but I know that I am exceptional in many cases.
Is this the life we want for future generations?
Note – I am the only preemie in my family. My grandparents, parents, aunt and brother were all full-size or larger. So, if you are thinking – “this doesn’t apply to me.” Don’t be too sure. Premature births have more than one cause. And if it doesn’t “happen” to you – you better believe – we are ALL paying for it. Infantile health is a reflection of a nation’s health. March of Dimes – a nonprofit organization – is fighting for the well-being of our nation and society. Their efforts continue to contribute to scientific advancements that others have not.
A Car Donation for March of Dimes
Donate a car to March of Dimes and join the drive to help babies survive. When you donate a car, truck, van, bus, boat or motorcycle, you keep March of Dimes on the road to prevent serious problems that threaten our babies, like premature birth and birth defects. Your car donation directly helps moms, babies, and families right in your own local community.
The March of Dimes uses your gift wisely; the proceeds of your vehicle will be spent on research, community services, education and advocacy to improve babies’ health.
Start your car donation online now or call us at (888) 898-1144 to arrange fast, free towing in your state. Thank you for joining the drive to help babies survive®!
1 March of Dimes Mission https://www.marchforbabies.org/Registration/mfb2020Signup?
2 March of Dimes Baby Ad https://hi99.com/events/event/station/28479/2018-march-for-babies/
3 The History of March of Dimes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyTiptSJ-Zw
4 Times History of the March of Dimes https://time.com/5062520/march-of-dimes-history/
5 March Of Dimes Polio Ad https://www.pinterest.com/pin/125326802110494241/?lp=true
6 What is PKU https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/phenylketonuria
7 Amy Oliver / PKU Kids https://healthcare.utah.edu/patient-stories/stories/oliver.php
8 Tore Curstedt https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=u2dtzM3TNdg
9 RDS https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/respiratory-distress-syndrome-premature-infant
10 Respiratory Graphic https://jamaevidence.mhmedical.com/
11 MOD Impact Article https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/the-economic-and-societal-costs.aspx