I have dedicated my working life to the care of the sick newborn. There has never been a shortage of patients. While their medical care has changed and improved, it is no less intense for the babies, their families, care providers, and society at large. Indeed, the impact of premature, and sick, newborns on the world has only grown in the 42 (!!) years that I have been a nurse. In 2022, Georgia's infant mortality rate was 7.1 per 1,000 live births, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Maternal mortality in the US is the highest of the 11 developed nations reviewed by the Commonwealth Fund in 2020. The March of Dimes works to change these sad, shameful numbers.
My friend and colleague, Ira Adams-Chapman, was a champion of babies and children, mothers and families. She was a role-model for all that is good. Ira's demeanor and smile got me through many a patient crisis while we cared for patients together in the NICU. Ira died unexpectedly in October 2020. The last few years of Ira's life were marred by the loss of her beloved husband, Thad, and then, cancer. Yet, on she worked to improve the outcomes, both acute and longterm, of our patients. Her illness, and then passing, during the coronavirus pandemic meant that we who loved her could not be with her while ill. Nor were we able to celebrate Ira's WONDERFUL life appropriately. I, together with Ira's colleagues, created Ira's Team, in hopes of JOYFULLY remembering Ira! Contributing to her positive legacy is what we know she would want.
With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.
At March for Babies™ you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!
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