In the United States, 1 in 9 babies is born prematurely, 1 in 10 in Canada. Worldwide, over 15 million babies are born too soon each year. While not all multiples are born prematurely, a multiple birth increases the probability of an early delivery. Babies born prematurely, before 37 weeks gestation, are at a higher risk for health complications in infancy, some of which can have long-term effects. Full-term infants are not all free from their own health complications, of course.
In honor of November’s Prematurity Awareness Month, led by the March of Dimes, How Do You Do It? is focusing this week’s posts on The Moms’ experiences with premature deliveries, NICU stays, health complications, special needs, and how we’ve dealt with these complex issues.
Want to help the preemie community and get some holiday shopping done? The Celebrate Carter fundraiser is here! This year, it’s a shopping catalog of various vendors who are donating a percentage of their sales to the fundraiser, which benefits two deserving preemie/loss related charities.
ABOUT: Carter Bickford is the first-born son of Craig and Angela Bickford of Cypress, Texas. He was born on December 9, 2011, along with his triplet brother and sister, Braden and Tenley. They were born very sick at 28 weeks. Sadly, Carter passed away at 49 days old from complications of prematurity. The Bickford’s first time holding him was also their last, but they are grateful for every day they had with him. He was a true fighter and his story has reached thousands. His parents hope that by doing these fundraisers annually, they can raise money in his honor to help other organizations reach even more people.
BENEFITING: This year, the beneficiaries were chosen for their involvement in both the preemie community and the loss community. Celebrate Carter is proud to be partnering with Graham’s Foundation and the Zoe Rose Memorial Foundation.
WHEN: Shop between 11/15 and 12/1 at www.celebratecarter.com – over 70 vendors!
You can find more info about the fundraiser on the website, the Facebook page, or in the flyer below. You can also share this flyer with friends and family so they can participate too!
