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•	Cerebral Palsy
•	Kids & Adults with Disabilities
•	Mental Disabilities

Child Development

Few phrases strike more fear into a parent's heart than "birth defect." And yet for those parents whose children experience physical or developmental difficulties, the challenge can also be an opportunity, to tear down the obstacles created by adversity and by society, and to raise that child with love and knowledge to make his or her way in the world. During National Birth Defect Month, we're proud to be able to provide information to help prevent birth defects, to help those parents with challenges to reach out and find information, community and support, and to provide a place where you can make a difference today in the fight against birth defects. Your efforts here help change the future, one child at a time.

•	A birth defect is an abnormality of structure, function, or metabolism present at birth that results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal.
•	Both genetic and environmental factors can cause birth defects.
•	There are several thousand birth defects that have been identified.
•	The causes of about 60 to 70 percent of birth defects currently are unknown.
•	Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life.

Source: March of Dimes

Make A Donation
These organizations are on the front line in the struggle against birth defects.

Support their efforts, or search for other related charities.

General

March of Dimes
Research & programs that save babies from birth defects.

National Organization for Rare Disorders
Dedicated to the identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases.

Resource Foundation for Children with Challenges
Serving parents and children with disabilities

Special Olympics
Creating positive & enduring change in the lives of people with disabilities.

Specific Birth Defects

Autism Society of America
Improve the lives of individuals with autism & their families.

Cleft Palate Foundation
Support to parents and patients affected by facial birth defects.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Funding research to find a cure for this disease.

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Promoting research into the causes and cure of the Spinal Muscular Atrophies.

National Down Syndrome Society
Enhancing public awareness of Down syndrome.

Spina Bifida Association of America
Promoting the prevention of spina bifida.

United Cerebral Palsy
Help people with cerebral palsy & other disabilities.

Be A Volunteer
Make a difference in the fight against birth defects, or reach out to other parents who can benefit from your experience.

Volunteer with one of these organizations or, search for other opportunities.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Make "Great Strides" to cure Cystic Fibrosis

March of Dimes
Information on how you can offer your time to a March of Dimes chapter near you.

MUMS Parent-to-Parent Network
Support the more than 18,000 families of children with disabilities across the U.S.

National Down Syndrome Society
Join a community support group for people with Down syndrome.

Special Olympics
Volunteer as a coach, trainer, games organizer, or fund-raiser.

WalkAmerica
Walk to combat birth defects in America.

Speak Out
Speak out on public policy, quality health care, and funding issues that affect birth defect research & prevention.

Autism Society of America
Take part in the Autism Postage Stamp Campaign.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Join a Public Policy Alliance.

National Down Syndrome Society
Take action on current bills and pending legislation that will affect people with Down syndrome.

United Cerebral Palsy
Speak out to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.