preemie-l What I would like to see

Dave & Laurie (d.blacker@worldnet.att.net)
Fri, 7 Jun 1996 00:57:34 GMT 

Dear Mary,

Hello! This is Laurie in Michigan once again.

You recently wrote:
"I wish for an organization that focuses on research on preemie
issues.  Something to help get the ideas, researchers and funding together."

 There already is such an organization, and no they're not paying me for
saying so, but have you contacted the March of Dimes?

I've been spending a lot time working with our local chapter for the past
two years.  (In fact, as of yesterday, my two preemies (now 5 and 2 1/2) are
official good will ambassadors!)  We organized a team for WalkAmerica last
year made up entirely of preemie/NICU families called the "Preemie Stars".
Those of us on the team felt it was a great way to give something back to an
organization who may be responsible for our babies surviving their early
start on life.

Did you know...  

.....that the March of Dimes was instrumental in establishing the regional
network of NICUs back in 1970, increasing the availability of specialized
perinatal care to babies in need of extra services?

.....that it was March of Dimes-funded researchers who developed surfactant,
a treatment for respiratory distress syndrome that has saved so many of our
babies' lives?

.....that it was the March of Dimes-funded researchers who developed the PKU
blood test to screen newborns that is so successful in preventing illness
and fatalaties that it is now mandatory for newborns in Michigan (and many
other states)?

.....that March of Dimes-funded researchers developed the concept of fetal
surgery to correct birth defects?

So there you have it. You wanted to find someone researching preemie issues,
and in my opinion, such an organization already exists!  All you have to do
is contact your local chapter to get further information.

Good luck!  Laurie (mom to Katie and Danny)