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Airport terminal lit purple. Photo/Supplied. |
 Settlers Museum Dunedin. Photo/Supplied. |
 Fowler Centre lights up Purple. Photo/Supplied. |
Today,
on World Prematurity Day, Little Miracles Trust is raising
awareness of the 5,000 Kiwi families each year who navigate
the difficult journey of caring for a premature or
critically ill baby.
To support these little
fighters, the Trust has organised for over 60 landmarks
across New Zealand to light up purple, and arranged morning
teas at every NICU unit to honour the incredible efforts of
parents and healthcare staff.
“Having a premature
baby can be an isolating experience, with hospital stays
lasting for weeks and months. We do everything we can to
provide support whether it’s emotional, practical, or
financial,” says CEO Sarah Rusholme.
The Trust,
founded in 1986, is New Zealand’s only charity dedicated
exclusively to supporting families of premature or
critically ill babies.
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As a non-profit organisation
that receives no government funding, the Trust relies
entirely on generous donations to fund the $500,000 required
annually to provide thousands of hours of in-unit peer
support as well as emergency care packages and hardship
assistance to families in need.
The need for the
Trust’s support continues to grow, as New Zealand’s
preterm birth rates rose from 7.4% in 2009 to 7.9% in
2021.
“Every year, we see vulnerable babies born,
and those numbers are not decreasing. It’s something no
one ever expects to happen to them. As a prem parent, I
understand it is crucial to provide comfort and support to
these families during what can be the most difficult time of
their lives.”
Pre-term birth is one of the leading
causes of death for babies in New Zealand, latest data shows
that two thirds of infant deaths (67%) were
preterm.
The Little Miracles Trust urges the public to
spread awareness, donate, and support its mission to provide
vital assistance to families during their NICU journey,
transition to home, and beyond.
Keep an eye out for
your local landmark lighting up purple today and join the
movement to support these tiny
fighters.
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