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One of the most effective ways to help
this cause is to contact the editor of your largest newspaper
and tell them the importance of an article about twin to twin
transfusion syndrome in the press. Often articles that are
written are picked up by the associated press and carried
across the country printed in numerous other newspapers. One
article had the potential for millions to read about TTTS.
Mary, Founder, and her family put on the
first fundraiser for the fight against TTTS in 1992 in Bay
Village, OH. Reporters from the Plain Dealer, Ohio’s
largest newspaper, came into the Mayor’s office one
day looking for stories. The city was helping to put the event
on and they called to do an article about Matthew and Steven,
her twins. The article was entitled, “For Matthew and
Steven” and made the front page of the Plain Dealer
on a Sunday. That alone reached millions of people. However,
the article was picked up by the Associated Press and printed
all along the East Coast of the United States reaching millions
more. If every person who has been through TTTS could get
an article in their paper, TTTS would be in the news all year
round. That certainly is within our reach. It is also a very
special way to be the voice for your babies.
You may use the Media Kit to give to the
reporters when you are interviewed so they have the most important
message the Foundation wants to have printed in the article.
We are stressing the importance of asking the question, “Is
there one placenta or two?” when a diagnosis of twins
is made. This gives parents the first chance to know if they
have a monochorionic placenta. If they do, they are at risk
for TTTS until the babies are born. We then advocate weekly
ultrasounds from 16 weeks through birth of the babies to check
for the signs of TTTS as well as placental share problems.
We need to stress the importance of getting past the OB/GYN
to the high risk perinatologist doctor who has the detailed
ultrasound equipment needed to care for the babies. We can
make an incredible difference by keeping TTTS in the media
and everyone has the ability and strength to do this. We will
help you, just give us a call at 800-815-9211. |
