Pink and Blue Lights Mean Moment of Hope for Premature Babies; Tacoma's Russell Investment Group Waterfall to Be Lit in Pink and Blue for Prematurity Awareness Day, November 16th

Business Wire, Nov 12, 2004

TACOMA, Wash. -- Premature birth affects one out of 10 Washington babies, including 917 in Tacoma each year. The causes of nearly half of all premature births are unknown, leaving all families at risk. The March of Dimes has launched a five-year, $75 million effort to address the problem.

"Premature birth is a crisis in our country," said Susan McAbee, March of Dimes South Sound Divison Director. "Pink and blue lights on the waterfall in front of the Russell Investment Group headquarters symbolize our efforts to offer hope and help to families who have had a premature baby," she added.

Premature birth is one of the leading causes of newborn death. Babies who survive can face serious lifelong health problems. Prematurity takes an enormous emotional toll on families and costs society billions of dollars.

Families can also participate online at clicktosavebabies.org. The site gives families an opportunity to connect with each other and sign a petition calling for increased federal funding for research related to prematurity.

Also, during November, Motherhood Maternity stores, a national retail supporter of Prematurity Awareness Month, is giving customers who make a purchase a free gift bag with March of Dimes healthy pregnancy information. All Motherhood Maternity shoppers are invited to support the Prematurity Campaign by making a donation either in the store or on clicktosavebabies.org. In Tacoma, Motherhood Maternity is located at Tacoma Mall and Lakewood Mall

"Motherhood Maternity is pleased to support the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Campaign. Promoting healthy pregnancies is a key factor in the effort to decrease premature births. We understand the importance of educating expectant families so we encourage all moms-to-be to come into our stores and get valuable information from the March of Dimes about having a healthy baby," commented Motherhood President Rebecca Matthias.

Additionally, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will support prematurity awareness with "Zeta Prematurity Awareness Sunday." In Tacoma, Zeta Phi Betas will ask 11 houses of worship to make educational announcements about prematurity and risk factors for premature birth.

The Campaign has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. American Baby magazine and Working Mother Media are national media sponsors. Over 30 professional and consumer organizations have become Campaign alliance members, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Hospital Association and the American Public Health Association.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies, and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.