What will you do to celebrate World Prematurity Day 2016? Even a small gesture can make a big impact on the preemie community. We at The Gift of Life invite you to join us in observing this very important but lesser-known holiday.
Raising awareness for preterm birth helps bring support to preemies and their families. It can also assist in increasing the chances that more babies will be born full-term. Premature birth doesn’t always occur because of something the mother did; there’s no single cause that can serve as the reason behind every case. But when a child is born prematurely, his or her family will need all the help, support, and encouragement they can get.
What is the purpose of World Prematurity Day ?
The purpose of World Prematurity Day is to raise awareness for the cause of prematurity and the preemie community. Approximately 1 in 10 babies born in the U.S come by way of preterm birth. This high preemie birth rate ranks the U.S 131st out of 184 nations and makes us as a nation tied with Somalia when it comes to our babies being born too soon.
RECOMMENDED READING: Born Too Soon – The Global Action Report on Preterm Birth
The impact of being born a preemie doesn’t stop its effects once a baby becomes a young child. As the March of Dimes reports, “Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide”.
With more awareness comes more support and prevention. For preemies and their families, World Prematurity Day also serves to acknowledge their challenges and their triumphs.
RECOMMENDED READING: Happy 7th Birthday Kaleb Moore: You’re Proof that Miracles Exist
How to celebrate world prematurity day: 3 Methods
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On Social Media:
Celebrate World Prematurity Day on Twitter and Facebook by posting your related comments and stories, promoting the preemie support nonprofit organization of your choice, and/or just connecting with others, reading their stories, and voicing your support. You can use the hashtags #givethemtomorrow and #worldprematurityday.
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On Your Own:
Can’t decide what to wear today? Well, World Prematurity Day is for wearing purple. This is the color of prematurity and by wearing it on this day you demonstrate to others your support for our cause. Don’t have a purple shirt to wear? Consider preparing for next year’s celebration by purchasing a purple t-shirt or Gift of Life polo from our online store.
You can also decorate your home and/or office in purple. Perhaps you may like to put a purple ribbon on your car. Purple is to World Prematurity Day what green is to St. Patrick’s Day.
In honor of World Prematurity day, please share your story or sentiments in the comments section below. Also, please consider making a donation to the Gift of Life as a way to help make a difference in the preemie community on this very special day.
World Prematurity Day 2016 – What will you do for it?
