Watch CBS News

RenCen To Light Up Purple For Prematurity Awareness Day

DETROIT (AP) — Purple LED lighting will shine from the GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit to focus awareness on premature births and symbolize hope for a healthy start for more babies.

Prematurity Awareness Day will be observed Monday and Flagstar Bank will match every donation made that day to the March of Dimes through the Crowdrise online fundraising site.

The March of Dimes says more than one million of an estimated 15 million babies born prematurely each year worldwide do not survive. The leading cause of newborn deaths in Michigan is premature birth. One in nine Michigan babies is born premature.

Michigan residents are asked to wear purple on Monday and use social media to share stories and facts about premature births to raise awareness.

___

Online:
http://www.crowdrise.com/prematurityawarenessmichigan
http://www.facebook.com/MarchofDimesMichigan

 

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.