Dear San Antonio,

Fall is an exciting time of change and anticipation. That aptly describes the atmosphere at the March of Dimes as well. This voluntary health organization is responsible for so many incredible advancements in the area of children’s health, and you know more amazing triumphs are on the horizon. Currently, the March of Dimes is in the forefront of fighting the silent epidemic of premature birth.

Over the past decade, the rate of prematurity has dramatically risen and is now the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S. Here in Texas, one in seven babies is born too soon. Babies who do survive can face serious lifelong mental and physical disabilities. The prognosis is better for babies born closer to their due dates. How do we stop this epidemic? Education and proper prenatal care are important as some prematurity is preventable, but in nearly 50 percent of premature births the cause is unknown. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, health or socioeconomic background. That is why the March of Dimes launched a Prematurity Campaign in 2003 to raise awareness and fund research into the causes of premature birth.

As a neonatologist, working with the March of Dimes is incredibly fulfilling because I get to see firsthand the preemie babies who now have a fighting chance, thanks to treatments pioneered by this organization. I see mothers who got to the hospital in time to make a difference because they learned the signs of preterm labor from the March of Dimes. These miracles, these successes are a credit to the marvelous March of Dimes volunteers and supporters. As you read the next few pages and learn more about the fight to save babies from premature birth, I hope you are inspired to get involved. Come toast a healthy future at Signature Chefs, form a team for WalkAmerica, or help lobby lawmakers on vital health issues. There are so many things you can do!

With your help, we can look forward to the day when every baby gets its full nine months.

Yours,
Rajam Ramamurthy, MD
Neonatologist – University Hospital
Chairman of Board, March of Dimes San Antonio,
and Member, Texas Society