Dear SHARE Atlanta Members,

Here is a notice that I just received from MODs. I wanted to pass it on - I am sorry for the lateness.

What a wonderful program this is! One of our members, Julie Franklin, an employee of BellSouth, has also shared how BellSouth has been an ongoing important presence for MOD's Awareness campaign about premature birth. Very impressive indeed. Julie, as a captain for the MODs BellSouth 2005 walk, helped them raise an incredible amount of money in April. We applaud BellSouth (and our very own Julie) for working toward the prevention of prematurity.

I remind all of us, that the MODs is working toward prevention and intervention of other issues as well as prematurity (birth defects, congenital issues, care of mothers-to-be, etc.). Advocacy and Awareness for various pregnancy and newborn loss issues is important for all of us, and it is best coming from many different venues.

SHARE Atlanta will be "Walking to Remember" our special babies, once again, come April 22, 2006 (Downtown Atlanta) in MOD's WalkAmerica campaign. Our members also have supported MODs with over $35,000 in the last three years...that we are pleased about as well!

Take care, Marcia

Henderson, April wrote:

*HELP US RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PREMATURE BIRTH AT THE PREVENT PREMATURITY RALLY IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA*

*WHERE: *BellSouth Center Plaza (which is lit in pink and blue for the month of November)

675 West Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30313

*DATE: *November 14, 2005

*TIME: *6:30pm – 7:30pm

*WHO: *Tripp West of Star 94, BellSouth President of Operations Ron Frieson and Senior Vice President of SunTrust and March of Dimes Chairman of Trustees Jim Sproull; prematurity families and supporters

On the eve of National Prematurity Awareness Day, we will be uniting to shine light on this silent crisis and symbolize hope for premature babies and their families at the base of the Bellsouth Center (which will be lit in pink and blue.) Whether you are child who was born prematurely, a family member or a supporter, please wear pink and blue and join us as we demonstrate the vast number of Georgians affected by prematurity. Every guest will receive an illuminating balloon, glow-in-dark awareness band and a pink and blue lapel ribbon. Emceed by Tripp West of Star 94, the program begins at 6:30pm and guest speakers include BellSouth President of Operations Ron Frieson and Senior Vice President of SunTrust and March of Dimes Chairman of Trustees Jim Sproull.

Click here for directions and to register.

For more information, please contact 404-350-9800.

Hope to see you there!

- March of Dimes Georgia Chapter

Added note from MODs sent by Julie Franklin

November 15th is National Prematurity Awareness Day. I wanted to let you know that your support really helps the March of Dimes in research and fighting prematurity. Today 1 in 8 babies is born premature. In over 50% of the cases there is no known reason for early delivery. Complications from premature birth is the leading cause of death in infants.

The good news is that the March of Dimes recognizes the need to reverse the trend - percentage of premature births has gone from 9% to 12% in the last 20 years. Along with research they are committed to educating women about the importance of pre-natal care. The March of Dimes is committed to save babies lives and your support makes that possible. Thanks again.

The March of Dimes is calling on Congress to approve two bills that address the issue of prematurity. Both bills have been introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives and have a growing number of cosponsors.

The first bill, “The PREEMIE Act,” if enacted, would expand research into the causes and prevention of prematurity and increase public and health professional education and support services related to prematurity. The Senate bill (S. 707) was authored by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Chris Dodd (D-CT), and the House bill (H.R. 2861) is sponsored by Representatives Fred Upton (R-MI) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA).

The second bill, “The Prevent Prematurity and Improve Child Health Act of 2005,” if enacted, would increase access to health coverage for women, infants and children. The Senate bill (S. 710) was authored by Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Richard Lugar (R-IN), and a House companion bill is expected to be introduced soon.