The first breath of a newborn infant is music to the ears of every new parent. In the best case scenario, breaths come quickly after birth; they鈥檙e hearty and end in a telltale cry that signals the beginning of a robust new life.

But when a newborn doesn鈥檛 have the capacity to breathe, the maternity and respiratory specialists at 91原创 Memorial Hospital are called to action.

Within seconds, they must rely on the technological power of a neonatal ventilator to provide life-giving oxygen. But with just a single ventilator stationed permanently in the maternity unit, a secondary ventilator is needed to assist newborns in respiratory failure.

This need inspired the hospital to raise funds for a second ventilator and other equipment for the maternity unit, in partnership with TB Vets, an organization dedicated to fundraising to support the health and wellness of respiratory patients.

鈥淲e were so grateful when we got our first ventilator, and it made such a huge impact and difference (in the maternity unit),鈥� says Donna Adhemar, Interim Manager of LMH鈥檚 clinical Maternal, Infant, Child and Youth Program.

鈥淲e encountered a situation where we had two babies who needed it at the same time. And we鈥檝e got to choose which one is going to use it and which one鈥檚 going to use the old one (designed for older children). It was natural for us to wonder, 鈥榳ouldn鈥檛 it be amazing if we could offer the best care to both these children?鈥欌��

Newborns might need ventilation when they鈥檙e premature and their lungs aren鈥檛 fully formed, or they may have ingested some amniotic fluid during the time of delivery.

鈥淚t鈥檚 almost immediate when you see that the newborn needs some support,鈥� says Aman Badesha, the clinical practice leader for Respiratory Therapy at 91原创 Memorial Hospital.

Gifts to this urgent need will be matched dollar for dollar by TB Vets.

TB Vets President and CEO Kandys Merola says she鈥檚 confident the public will respond to the urgent need for a second ventilator with more awareness that every gift will be matched.

鈥淚 firmly believe that when faced with the urgent need for a second ventilator, our community will step up, knowing that each contribution they make will be met with a matching gift,鈥� she says.

To help keep newborn babies safe and healthy, make a gift today at