This post was written by the Experimental Mommy in partnership with The Motherhood and March of Dimes. All opinions are 100% my own.
As a scientist, I have had the opportunity to see how dollars are spent in a lab and what a difference the brilliant minds are making to help solve the problems of today’s society. And I have also had the unfortunate experience of seeing what happens to this valuable research when funding runs out or is no longer renewed. But thanks to organizations such as the March of Dimes and your generous donations, life saving research can continue. Still, many people want to see the tangible effects of their donations. Is our money truly making a difference?
Impact from the generous gifts the March of Dimes has received has funded important research and programs that help all babies begin healthy lives. In fact, you’ve benefited from the work of the March of Dimes if you or someone you care about:
- Received the polio vaccine
- Took a prenatal vitamin with folic acid while or before becoming pregnant
- Received an APGAR score immediately following birth
- Was born prematurely or has a premature baby
For more than 75 years, the March of Dimes has helped babies be born strong and healthy through research, vaccines, education and breakthroughs. The current challenge is that in the US, one baby is born prematurely every minute and approximately 72 children die each day before reaching their first birthday. The fight to save babies and help all moms have healthy, full-‐term pregnancies has been the focus of the March of Dimes’ mission for the last several decades.
What can you do to help?
The March of Dimes knows that every baby is born to do something special and unique but they can’t do it alone. The #ImBornTo campaign celebrates the great things babies are born to do and thanks mothers and fathers who are the guardians and protectors of babies’ hopes and dreams.
From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, the March of Dimes encourages consumers to shop, donate or take part in partner promotions to support the cause. For example, Chef Emeril Lagasse has teamed up with Martha Stewart Living to help raise at least $30,000 for the March of Dimes by giving patrons the opportunity to add a donation to their check (4/26 to 5/10 and from 6/7 to 6/21) at participating Emeril Restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando and Charlotte.
Other participants include Bon Ton, Mud Pie, KMart, Alex and Ani, eBay, AE Jewelers, and Blue Rhino.
Visit imbornto.com to learn more about special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day offers from the March of Dimes partners. Want to learn even more? Join @TheMotherhood for an #ImBornTo Twitter Party on Thursday, May 7th at 1pmEST.