March of Dimes Day of Gratitude
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- Created on Friday, 18 November 2011 21:39
On Thursday, November 17, 2011, at The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, the Western Pennsylvania Division of The March of Dimes held a Day of Gratitude event. The March of Dimes wished to express thanks to The Children's Home and the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals for their care of premature infants and their families.
"We are so pleased and thankful for the recognition from The March of Dimes on World Prematurity Awareness Day," said The Children's Home CEO, Pamela Schanwald. "This is our second recognition from this esteemed organization and we are thankful that Sherri Browning and March of Dimes spokes parent April, and her beautiful family were able to join us on this special day."
The March of Dimes designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month in order to focus the nation's attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families. Each year, premature birth touches more than half a million babies and their families across the nation, with more than 17,000 born annually in Pennsylvania who suffer the consequences of being born too soon. Prematurity is the number one cause of death during the first month of life. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong disabilities. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
"As you are aware The Children's Home has been dedicated to caring for premature infants and their families since our hospital opened in 1984. It was the vision of Ron David, a Neonatologist from Magee Women's Hospital who recognized the need for sensitive and competent step down care for the very fragile premature infants and their families," said Schanwald. "The Children's Home is different from other organizations because our focus is on education, providing support to the whole family including siblings and ensuring that parents feel confident and competent to care for their children."
The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center would like to thank The March of Dimes and spokes parent April for spending Prematurity Awareness Day with us and for recognizing the great work of our health care professionals.
