My family was thrilled when my daughter was born healthy, but not every family knows the joy of having a healthy baby. This is why I support the March of Dimes. November is Prematurity Awareness Month. It’s when the March of Dimes focuses everyone’s attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families.

More than a half million babies are born prematurely in the United States each year. With one in eight babies born too soon, our country lags behind many other developed nations.

March of Dimes scientists are focused on finding the causes of premature birth and developing preventions. The March of Dimes also pushes for access to health care for all women of childbearing age to reduce the number of preventable preterm births. Join the effort by going to marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies.

Learn about premature birth and steps women can take to have a healthy pregnancy. Give back by creating a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby in your life. Your donation helps give other babies a fighting chance. Sign up for advocacy alerts to be a voice for premature birth in Washington, D.C. Ask everyone you know to get involved.

Premature birth 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, such as cerebral palsy, lung problems, and vision and hearing loss. Support the March of Dimes and their mission to give every baby a healthy start.

Andrea Cafourek

Austin