I know you were anticipating Rev Run and Master Tyler singing their anthem of self expression, but hang with me. I'd like you to take a step back in history for a minute and learn about the founding of an incredible organization of hope, March of Dimes.
The following are exerpts from March of Dimes - Wikipedia:
"Polio was one of the most dreaded illnesses of the 20th century...[President] Roosevelt himself was paralyzed with what at the time was believed to be polio, though it now seems this diagnosis might have been mistaken. The original purpose of the Foundation was to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the disease. The name emphasized the national, nonpartisan, and public nature of the new organization, as opposed to private foundations established by wealthy families. The effort began with a radioappeal, asking everyone in the nation to contribute a dime(10 cents) to fight polio. When Roosevelt died in office in 1945, he was commemorated by placing his portrait on the dime.
"For its first 17 years, the March of Dimes provided support for the work of many innovative and practical polio researchers and virologists. [This eventually contributed significantly to an effective vaccine shown] to be 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing paralytic polio.
"After supporting the development of two successful vaccines against polio, decided in 1958 to use its charitable infrastructure to serve mothers and babies with a new mission: to prevent premature birth, birth defectsand infant mortality. The organization accomplishes this with programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy, along with the annual March for Babies."
I am incredibly grateful that both of my babies were carried to term, and born healthy, with ten fingers and ten toes. I did however experience significant difficulty with my first pregnancy and birth. Due to preeclampsia, a combination of unexplained weight gain and high blood pressure, I was placed on bed rest during the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy. The only cure for preeclampsia is birth: In an effort to prevent seizures for myself and a life threatening childbirth for myself and my child, my midwife suggested medical induction. Thankfully, Aidan was born only a week early, which was well within the appropriate time frame for a safe, healthy birth. Labor and delivery went well; however, a few hours post delivery, I experienced two grand mal seizures (a result of the high blood pressure) and spent the first 36 hours of my son's life unconscious. If it weren't for the technology and knowledge of the hospital staff, I may not have made it. My son, now fours years old, may not have been born healthy. While preeclampsia (once referred to as toxemia) is to a large degree unexplainable in pregnancy, research has shown that monitoring diet, nutrients, and lifestyle can greatly decrease your chances of developing it.
It's this kind of research that March of Dimes supports. Along with the research, March of Dimes is committed to the education and support of pregnant mothers, so they are aware of dietary needs during pregnancy to help ensure the healthiest and safest outcome when it comes for delivery.
So, on Saturday April 24th, I'm walking with others to raise money for research to support the goal of March for Babies, that "one day all babies will be born healthy." Please see my participant page here, and consider making a secure online donation to support such a worthy cause.
And...if you're looking for a return on your investment, see my next blog about purchasing some of my very own "Mama-nola" to support my fundraising goal!
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