This is near and dear to my heart and I'd love to have you join! AND please invite a friend or two or 50...
Ready for some startling facts gathered by Jodee Kulp:
Alcohol is devastating, and most devastating to the weakest and most vulnerable in our society -- the unborn child. Alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the western world - US, Canada, Europe and Australia.
In the United States 10,657 babies are born daily (1999 US numbers are listed below)
- . . . 3 will have Muscular Dystrophy
- . . . 4 will have Cystic Fibrosis
- . . . 4 will have Spina Bifida
- . . . 4 will be infected with HIV
- . . . 10 of these babies will have Downs Syndrome.
Researcher and fund-raisers are working for these children.
But -- are you ready for the figures --
- . . . 20 babies will be born with FAS
- . . . these children will have visible facial and other physical deformities
- . . . they are the lucky ones
People will see with the eyes, understand and help will be provided. These physical manifestations are not caused by MORE drinking but simply because of the day in gestation the pregnant mother chose to drink.
NOW -- are you really ready for the tough issue
- . . . 100 babies will be born with Fetal Alcohol Effects
- . . . these children's deformities will be hidden within their bodies, in their brains and organs.
- Most will go undiagnosed.
- Most will live a life with little help with behaviors misjudged and struggling with learning and emotional issues.
