Simply because you believe your life is not directly affected by FASD, please do not think this post is meaningless to you. Your life is affected. You exist in this world with people who are living with FASD (most are not diagnosed), and we each have a responsibility…
Each September 9 since 1999 has been set aside as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day…
Every year on September 9, International FASD Awareness Day is observed. Proclamations are issued in countries, states, provinces, and towns all around the world. Bells are rung at 9:09 a.m. in every time zone from New Zealand to Alaska. People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The first FAS Day was celebrated on 9/9/99. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol. Anytime is a good time to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). http://www.fasday.com/
The links provided above and below are where you may learn more about this completely preventable birth defect. Prevention begins with knowledge and sharing that knowledge.
I am the mother of a child living with full Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and two children with Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders due to prenatal alcohol consumption by the women who carried them within their wombs. Here are links to a few of my blog posts which give a glimpse…only a very small glimpse…into life for and with a child living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome…
We’re All Looking for A Happy Ending…Again
Learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders:
The FAS Bookstore – A listing of the best books on FASD by parents, doctors, therapists and people living with FASD. Most of these books are also available at Amazon.com
This is a post full of links. Reading through those links is a small, but effective way to educate yourself and understand the importance of spreading this message…not only for prevention, but for better understanding of these precious children who are brain-damaged for life. For with understanding comes their hope for necessary intervention and a better life’s outcome.
On behalf of the babies who have been and will be born with FASD…and for all those who will not because you took the time to make a difference – thank you.
Your thoughts and questions are always welcome in comments.
Melody can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Tuesday in addition to hosting Special Exposure Wednesday. You will also find her at Slurping Life sharing photos and a few words from her special life.