Why is this text purple you ask? Because purple represents prematurity, and today is World Prematurity Day*.
Today, and in fact the entire month of November, is a time to make people aware of the prematurity and all of its challenges.
As the mom of two babies who would not have been considered viable only a few short years ago, I am thankful for neonatal technology and healthcare practitioners and how far they have come to save premature babies and give them good quality of life in most cases.
But also as the mom of two babies who would not have survived if times were different, I know first hand the physical/emotional/financial/you name it toll it takes on a family and how the extremely premature birth of a baby is not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
So to all the preemies, and especially micro preemies out there, on this day and every day you are my heros. And to all of the healthcare workers, therapists, charities and every other support in place to help families like mine, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
*This is actually a joint effort between the US, Europe, Australia and Africa. Where's Canada? Good question. Canada is completely lacking in preemie support, and for a country with such vast social services it is pretty embarrassing. That doesn't stop me from spreading awareness though, and hoping that one day our fair country gets a clue.
I had no idea you aren't getting any support there in Canada. That's terrible! You're doing an amazing job nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteChrista, we do have support from our early intervention program (which is wonderful) that the boys qualified for because of their prematurity. But there is nothing like the March of Dimes or any of the European, Australian or African charities associated with this initiative and researching/preventing/supporting prematurity.
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