National Ambassador 2008: Catharine Aboulhouda
Visit Catharine’s Blog at
http://2008nationalambassador.wordpress.com/
Since Catharine was 16 weeks early, her eyes were fused shut and she fought for every breath, facing daily challenges caused by a heart defect, bleeding in her brain, jaundice and a heart murmur.
After 113 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Catharine went home with her parents and big brother, Michael, still fragile enough to need monitors and oxygen. Amazingly, she has no lasting consequences of her extremely premature birth, thanks in part to medical advances developed and funded by the March of Dimes.
Today, Catharine is a healthy 5-year-old with the energy of a firecracker — she loves singing, reading with her grandparents and swimming with her brother Michael. Susan says, “Perhaps one reason Catharine came into the world early is to let people know that even the tiniest babies can make a difference.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.
The March of Dimes National Ambassador Program is an annual campaign, started in 1946, that puts a face on the March of Dimes mission. Throughout the year, the National Ambassador attends events and conferences, speaks with volunteers, does media interviews and appears with corporate leaders, celebrities and the President of the United States to raise awareness of the March of Dimes.
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Tags: Ambassador, babies, baby, Dimes, donate, March, mom, moms, National, Nonprofit, of, premature, prematurity
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
hey mike this is …
hey mike this is farrah aboulhouda brother and this is amazing and this is jamison aboulhouda bye
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
That story was so …
That story was so touching, and beautiful. =]
My sister was born 6 weeks early, but she doesn’t have any defects or anything…I love her so much, and congrats on your beautiful daughter. =]
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Although not every …
Although not every outcome of prematurity has a happy ending. They are still all miracles. Even if the long term effects and illness of prematurity seem to be on going for many preemies. Each preemie has a story to tell. The ongoing fighters are brave and the preemie angels in heaven are not forgotten!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
My miracle came at …
My miracle came at 24 weeks, 510 grams, or 1 lb. 2oz. Her eyes were fused and her skin translucent. She had all the normal issues that come with being 16 weeks early. Today she is a vibrant, brown-eyed beauty with the a special gift for song and humor. She is my heart. Without the March of Dimes, this bright light would have gone out soon after her birth. Thank you Catharine for sharing your story and your time. Have a wonderful and prosperous life.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
My miracle was born …
My miracle was born at 24 weeks, a mere 510 grams, or 1 lb. 2oz….eyes fused, translucent skin…RDS…the works. Today she is a bright, funny, 10 year old beauty with an incredible singing voice. She has been contributing her time to our local March of Dimes for the last 5 years. Without the March of Dimes, this bright light would have gone out soon after her birth. Thanks for sharing your story, Catharine. It is much like our own! Have a wonderful and prosperous life!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
What an amazing …
What an amazing story!
Chrissy,
mom of 29 weeker
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
AMAZING!! What a …
AMAZING!! What a beautiful video for a beautiful child. She has a lot of wonderful things to do in this world.
My son was born at 34 weeks. God bless March of Dimes for giving us the gifts that are our children.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
My friends baby was …
My friends baby was born at 26 weeks and she has cerebral paulsy now, but she’s 4 and otherwise kind of healtyh and i can’t thank them enough.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
The March of Dimes …
The March of Dimes Stories tear at my heart every year. My nieces were born at 28 weeks and were 1 pound 5 ounces and 1 pound 4 ounces. My father could put his wedding ring over their thighs! If it were not for the treatment for their lungs, which was developed by the March of Dimes, they either would have always had breathing problems or never had survived at all. How are they now? They are ten years old and you would never know they were premies. They are both strong and smart. God Bless MoD!!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
May God Continue to …
May God Continue to bless you all. I had my son Jordan @ 29 wks, he only weighed 2.5 lbs. Your daughter is such a beauiful angel. Thanks for sharing your video. She reminds me of my niece which is now 11 she was only 2 lbs.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
This video touched …
This video touched my heart. I had my daughter at 27 weeks, although she passed away, I am still very involved with the March of Dimes. I do it for Madison(who also would have been 5 years old) and all the little ones who come to the earth too soon.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Catharine, you are …
Catharine, you are a true inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your story.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
hey i know you!
…
hey i know you!
this is miranda
=]
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
She just came to my …
She just came to my school today
=]
She is soo cute!
They played this video too
Shes adorable
Im glad she made it =]
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Yeah she is she …
Yeah she is she came 2 South Amboy Middle/High school today! I hugged her!!! She is soo adorablee!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Such a miracle! …
Such a miracle! Lilike went through a high risk pregnancy and was born a little sick and a she went home that was my miracle! Im also expecting again after the loss of a baby I lost after the brith of a healthy son Locke I lost my baby in 2007. Im due July 28th 2008 with a miracle baby and Im now 16 weeks.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
AWESOME VIDEO, …
AWESOME VIDEO, AWESOME CHILD!
My twin grandsons were born at 32 weeks after a 3 month hospital stay before birth.
Thank GOd for all the miracles.
What a AWESOME VIDEO and Child.
Been there in the Nicu with my twin grandsons!
Let’s never forget!
Keep up your great work with the March of Dimes
August 19th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Thanks for sharing. …
Thanks for sharing. What a wonderful video. Congrats on being an ambassador! My daughter was born 16 weeks early as well. She is 3 years old today. She does have a few issues due to her prematurity but they are minor and she will get thru them. Thanks for sharing it gives us hope for a normal childhood. your daughter is truly a miracle.