In January 2005, our precious triplets, Shivali, Avnish, and Keshavan, were born 14 weeks too soon. Their combined weight was just 4.5 lbs. Shivali did not survive due to complications from her premature birth, and our boys spent 14 and 19 weeks respectively in neonatal intensive care until they were able to come home.
Our children are among the nearly 500,000 babies born too soon in the U.S. Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death in the United States. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, lung problems, vision and hearing loss, and learning disabilities.
As ambassadors for 2013, we’re working with the March of Dimes to give more babies a healthy start in life because no parent should have to experience the fear, worry and loss that we did. That’s why this November 17 we will join the March of Dimes and its global partners to observe World Prematurity Day.
Please join us and the March of Dimes by visiting facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay
to learn more about how we can work together for stronger healthier babies. Share your stories, photos, videos and connect with families worldwide. Together, our voices make a difference to bring attention to this national and global health crisis.
Next year, the March of Dimes also is celebrating its 75th anniversary and its ongoing work to give all babies a healthy start in life. Some 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has
helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and medical breakthroughs, including many that have benefited premature babies. On January 3rd, we hope to see the White House lit purple in honor of the March of Dimes and premature babies. Please sign the petition today.
Each year, 4,000 babies in our state suffer the consequences of being born too soon. Worldwide about 15 million babies are born prematurely and more than one
million of them die due to their early birth. Awareness is the first step to solving this problem.
Sincerely,
Daniel and Karina Primavera
March of Dimes Ambassadors
Ridgefield, CT
