The Empire State Building was lit purple on Nov. 17 for World Prematurity Day (WPD) as March of Dimes, the organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, called for action to raise awareness and support for the 15 million babies affected by preterm birth each year around the world. Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is the largest contributor to infant death in the United States and around the world. Babies who survive an early birth often face serious and lifelong health problems.
During Prematurity Awareness Month in November, as well as on World Prematurity Day on Nov. 17, March of Dimes is advocating for #blanketchange, celebrating families through events large and small, sharing inspiring stories, lighting the world purple, and raising funds for life-saving research and community-based programs to give every baby the best possible start.
Learn more about what you can do to help, and show you care about premature babies at marchofdimes.org. Special thanks to the Empire State Building for supporting 2018 World Prematurity Day. The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and is used with permission.