As the COVID-19 crisis rages, we know that babies are still developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). While many of our events have been canceled, we hope you’ll join us as we recognize World NEC Awareness Day on May 17. 

NEC is a devastating intestinal disease that affects vulnerable infants during their first weeks and months of life. Up to 50% of the babies who get NEC will die, and survivors often face life-long health challenges. Yet, few people have even heard of the disease.

We’re inviting families who have been impacted by NEC, as well as clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders dedicated to preventing NEC to show us – in photos and stories – what NEC looks like and what they’re doing to build a world without NEC. 

Let’s elevate the conversation around NEC and expose the scars, the trauma, and the stillness that come after a NEC diagnosis. Our goal is to empower families and stakeholders to join the international community that’s working to build a world without NEC.

In honor of #NECday on May 17, please show us how NEC has impacted your life. Tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin, and use the hashtags: #preventNEC #NECday

Examples from families: photos of scars, empty cribs, empty baby shoes, and any other photos that help to depict the challenges and trauma caused by NEC.

Examples from clinicians/other stakeholders: labs, teams, and the people/equipment that’s helping us build a world without NEC. 

Here’s how you can get involved: 

• Order your NEC gear by shopping at the NEC Society’s online store (please note that we don’t have any control over shipping. Delivery may be delayed by several weeks because of the COVID-19 crisis.)
• Listen to our NEC podcast with the NANNcast 
• Share 9 Things You Need to Know About NEC
• Join our email list
• Subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel
• If you’re on Facebook, use the NEC Society’s FB Frame for NEC Awareness Day
• Get creative, write “A World Without NEC” and send us your photos! 
• Share your photos and stories of how NEC has impacted your life. 
• Make a tax-deductible donation to the NEC Society
• Create a Facebook fundraiser by clicking “Raise Money” here!
• Follow the @NECsociety on Twitter and help us build a #NECday Twitterstorm on May 17! 
• Check out this story in The Lancet: US NICUs and Donor Milk Banks Brace for COVID-19
• Register for this (free!) May 21 webinar on the science of infant nutrition, metabolism, human milk, and NEC.
• Stay tuned for announcements about our NEC Symposium, April 2021! 
• Get ready for #MilkDonationDay on May 19! Join HMBANA and nonprofit milk banks around the world as we highlight the importance of equitable access to human milk and the lifesaving benefits of breast milk for our most vulnerable babies.

Do you have more ideas or suggestions on how the NEC Society can better serve our community during this challenging time? If so, please email Jennifer@NECsociety.org! We’d love to hear from you! 

#NECday #preventNEC