focused on babies a future

story by | march of dimes—north dakota chapter how many babies/families locally benefit from the MOD?

In 1938, during the Great Depression, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a weekly radio show aimed at motivating Americans to move forward. During one of these shows, he recommended Americans think of their “future”—and that future was our children, who were being taken away by polio. FDR challenged Americans to respond to this killer disease by sending “their spare dimes” to the White House, and he’d do his best to conquer polio. Americans responded by “marching” over 2 million dimes to the White House. The name March of Dimes [MOD] was born and 20 years later, polio was conquered! Rather than simply locking the doors and turning out the lights, the March of Dimes turned its focus to babies.

Today the mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by reducing birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality. In North Dakota, one in nine babies is born premature. Of the approximant 9,000 babies born each year in our state, over 1,000 are born premature, which translates to almost twenty babies per week! Of those twenty premature babies, nine will have lifelong health issues such as blindness, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and other heart/lung issues, and one will die.

The March of Dimes has successfully funded and lobbied for newborn screening including PKU testing as well as 29 inherited disorders in North Dakota—some of which can be avoided and treated when detected in time. We also fund neonatal intensive care units [NICU’s] as well as much of the equipment found in them. Because of research funding of things such as sonograms, ultra-sounds, nitric oxide therapy, surfactant therapy, incubators, sickle cell anemia, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and folic acid benefits—if you know a baby, had a baby, or have been a baby, the March of Dimes has touched you! when a baby is born premature or sick, how does the MOD step in? how are the funds raised by MOD distributed?

The March of Dimes offers information on prematurity as well as an online community called Share Your Story [www.shareyourstory.org ] where you can find comfort, support and information from others who understand the challenges and uncertainties of the NICU experience. Additionally, we provide NICU Family Support programs in hospitals nationwide. Essentia Health houses this family-centered program in North Dakota, which provides information, comfort, and support to families as they enter the overwhelming experience of a NICU journey. We are there during their extended stay, as they transition to home or in the event of infant death.

The March of Dimes uses 75.4% of money raised for program services:

• 37.2% provides public and professional education

• 14.5% goes to research/medical support

• 23.7% provides community services what is the biggest hurdle MOD ND faces?

Locally, 70% of the dollars raised in North Dakota stay in North Dakota! Other than monetary donations, people can also get involved by joining our advocacy network, volunteering for events or office assistance, or by joining our Program Services Committee to assist in spreading the word of prenatal care.

Like many nonprofits these days, the March of Dimes is volunteer lead and driven and assist us in meeting our goals and objectives. Unlike other organizations, we receive zero support from government agencies. Getting our name out there, making people aware of our mission so we can do for prematurity what we did for polio, is our biggest hurdle. We are “ground zero” of the healthcare process by wanting a healthy start for babies and their families. Consider attending:

March for Babies—April 30th @ 9am, West Fargo Veterans Memorial Arena The year’s largest fundraiser, businesses and individuals sign up as walkers, form teams [from 1–600], raise money by seeking pledges to raise funds and awareness of the MOD mission. They come to the event, turn in their donations and walk for one hour to signify the 54 babies born each hour in the US. Afterwards, we eat, celebrate the top teams & walkers, honor all babies and pay tribute to those that passed on.

The Signature Chefs Auction—September 27th @ 5:30–9pm, Ramada “The Black Bib Affair” is a black tie event gala that showcases the top chefs from the area. Diners are invited to enjoy an evening of food sampling, wine and beverages. A silent auction is followed by a live auction that provides “personal experiences” provided by these Signature Chefs.

Bowls for Babies—December 7th @ 11am–1:30pm, Ramada Local business and artists [students, art teachers & artists] design and paint pottery and ceramic bowls displayed at the event and upscale restaurants donate their favorite soups. Patrons select a bowl to keep as a souvenir of their support and enjoy the variety of delicious soups & breads available. This year, in lieu of a silent auction, a very large quantity of diverse raffle items will be available. Event tickets are $20 and include admission and two raffle tickets. Tickets are available at any Gate City Bank starting the day after Thanksgiving or at the door the day of the event.

We’re ready to help.

You’ve decided. You’ve planned. You’re excited to hear a little voice say mama or dada. You’ve tried to get pregnant, but it’s just not as easy as you thought.

As the only comprehensive reproductive medicine program in North Dakota, Steffen Christensen, MD, Stephanie Dahl, MD and Erin Lee, NP are here to help you conceive.

When you’re ready for baby, we’re ready for you.