Reducing Preventable Birth Defects
Mary Reynolds came to San Diego to attend college and thankfully for us, she stayed. Mary’s latest endeavor is Nine Months Matter – a relatively new organization that she is working hard to establish. Through a grassroots effort, Nine Months Matter is spreading the word that alcohol is more detrimental to a developing fetus than cocaine, methamphetamines and heroine.
10 Things About Mary Reynolds & Nine Months Matter
#1 I studied ballet from the age of 5 and was in a ballet company in high school. My first job was as a ballet teacher.
#2 I love the way that San Diego has blossomed into a culinary destination. We enjoy the restaurants in Little Italy, especially Monello for dinner and Solunto’s for lunch.
#3 I am allergic to cats, so I have a sweet dog. Casey is a Yorkiepoo and in his waning years, but he is the ruler of the house and the family’s baby.
#4 My first job out of college was with the YMCA. I went on to become a Volunteer Coordinator with organizations like Special Olympics and United Way. When I left the workforce to care for my kids, I carried the need for volunteer help in community issues.
#5 When I heard Dr. Jones talking about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and how devastating it is to a child and to a fetus, I wondered why this isn’t common knowledge. So, I decided that it’s time to talk about this and make it known.
#6 I am so honored to be working with Dr. Jones and UCSD’s Center for Better Beginnings. Dr. Jones is a brilliant doctor – world renown, but humble and genuine. His colleagues and staff are working so hard to prove that no amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe.
#7 Our Del Mar Derby Day Fashion Show will raise funds for the MILE program. Kids with FASD have learning and behavioral issues and the MILE program is proven to raise test scores and behavior in the classrooms.
#8 There are many ways that people can help Nine Months Matter. Of course, financial support is always welcome. It costs $1,000 a MILE (that’s a 10-session course), or join our Coalition to help with getting the word out, or just talk about the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy.
#9 One of our young Coalition members is now pregnant. She is thankful that she is involved with Nine Months Matter because she said she didn’t know that as little as 3 drinks in an evening, twice during a pregnancy, is all it takes for a chance that her baby would have some form of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders!
#10 Helping mothers understand that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy, will begin to eradicate FASD’s. FASD is 0% curable but 100% preventable!
Nine Months Matter “Del Mar Derby Day”
Chocolate & Champagne Fashion Show Fundraiser
July 14, 2018
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Fairbanks Ranch Clubhouse
www.ninemonthsmatter.org
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