One out of Eight Babies in the United States is Born Prematurely.
The Hudson David McNeel Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and funds that will help support premature lives and assist families navigating through the NICU journey. Did you know that 1,400 babies are born prematurely in the United States every single day? That is one out of every eight births. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death and over 15 million babies globally are born prematurely each year. In over 40% of these cases, the cause is unknown.
Preterm birth is defined as a live birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Late preterm relates to 34-36 weeks gestation, moderately preterm is between 32-36 weeks, and severely preterm are those born under 32 weeks.
How We Help.
Every dollar raised by the Hudson David McNeel Foundation is carefully gifted to the University of Washington Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Hudson was cared for until his passing. This NICU serves a 5-state region, including Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Hudson was born at 24 weeks, 5 days and his odds of survival were 50/50. Our goal is to contribute funds for further research and development, to prevent or aid in the treatment of premature complications and deliveries. The NICU can utilize these funds for continuing education, fellowship programs, unit expansion, increased technology, diagnostic tools and infant transport programs. Due to Hudson’s severe prematurity, he needed care in a level IV NICU, which can handle the most complex level of neonatal care. We feel fortunate to be living in an area with these resources available and were nothing but amazed at the profound care that he received.
Giving back to support premature babies and their families brings us comfort. Making a difference in Hudson’s honor is a remarkable way to celebrate his life and help others in need.
Thank you for supporting such a fragile and delicate cause…a newborn’s life.