In November 2009, I gave birth to my first daughter, Cora. She lived only five days, but her life means that I’m forever a mother. She changed me, and how I see the world.
I don’t tuck Cora in at night or comfort a crying toddler, but I do still mother Cora. I work to make sure that other babies and mothers don’t go through what Cora and I did.
Shortly after Cora died, I learned a simple screening might have saved her life, pulse oximetry screening. I reached out to other moms to tell them about the screening. Within months, due to my work and that of other advocates, pulse oximetry, or newborn heart screening, was capturing national attention. I believed in the power of moms, and moms responded, demanding better for their babies.
I’m proud to represent the mother’s voice at national and local public health meetings. I’m a firm believer that the parent and patient voice should be a loud voice at any table discussing health care in America. I’m proud to represent your organization should you need parent advocates at a conference, meeting or discussion.