It affects one out of every eight infants. It's the leading cause of newborn death in the United States. Each year, half a million American babies struggle with it. In a majority of cases, doctors cannot say why it happens. "It" is prematurity. Our firstborn was born 3 1/2 months early; she spent 4 months in the hospital, then years in therapy. Today she's basically a healthy child - which is not only a testament to God's hand in her life, but also to the recent and vast improvements in caring for preemies. Improvements that were only possibly through the support of such organizations as The March of Dimes and The Children's Miracle Network. Unfortunately, not all preemies are as fortunate as our daughter. Many struggle with disabilities and health problems all their lives. Here's what you can do: * Use the SHARE buttons below to spread the word about prematurity throughout the Internet. * If you know someone who's pregnant, send them a link to this article. * If you're pregnant, be sure to check out the signs and symptoms of premature labor.

* If you know someone who's recently had a preemie, offer help. Parents with newborn preemies spend most of their time in the hospital, so aid in the form of meals, free housework, and gas cards (to get to the hospital) and always appreciated. * And be sure to visit The March of Dimes and The Children's Miracle Network for information on how you can help treat prematurity. November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Spread the word.