It is National Prematurity Awareness Month. KUOO’s Becky Thoreson has details:
November is National Prematurity Awareness Month.
Spirit Lake resident Jezzica McKee says, she’s trying to raise awareness locally due to her personal experience. “My son was born at 24 weeks. He had a 15% chance of survival when he was born, he was born 6 years ago and he’s had a long journey. So, I just encourage people to believe that miracles can happen because he’s one so, this awareness really means a lot to me.”
She notes that World Prematurity Day is held on November 17. “Actually the whole world lights up purple. You know, the Empire State Building and other National Monuments across the country, across other countries, turn their lights purple. They do it to make awareness for these babies that are born so little. Arnolds Park lights up the arches, so they are going to light up purple for Sam and all the other babies like him.”
She adds that people can help by donating to a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. “I strongly suggest donating to a NICU, or even just wearing purple for Premature Awareness Month, and usually it’s just for November 17th that we do it.”
McKee adds that she is working to start a non-profit organization to help support families with premature babies.
