Be an angel for Vitamin Angels: Thoughtful Thursday
Did you know that nearly 1/3 of the world’s children are undernourished? This is a contributing factor in the death of 45% of children under the age of five. A non-profit known as Vitamin Angels is working to change that.
 |
| Photo Credit: Vitamin Angels |
Motherhood changes your perspective on life and people. I am blessed to be able to provide for my son, but what about other mother’s who are not so fortunate? Could you image witnessing your child suffer from being undernourished and not have the means to help?
 |
| Photo Credit: Vitamin Angels |
My son Gabe and I lived briefly in Bogota, Colombia. It was horrifying to see so many children in tattered clothing with no shoes, and then watch families scavenge our trash at night for food to feed those children. It was often overwhelming to witness; there were so many children that needed help.
Gabe’s father was born in Quayaquil, Ecuador. Families in Ecuador face struggles similar to families in Colombia. His family immigrated to the United States, but they were much more fortunate than most. Colombia and Ecuador are developing nations, and they struggle with poverty, drugs, crime, and corruption. Poverty can seem insurmountable.
I thought helplessly, “That could have been my son.”
More importantly I realized, I am a global mom and every child is “my child“. Every child no matter where they are born deserves a fair chance at living a healthy life.
Many children are a victim of circumstance. They were born in a country to parents that struggle to do the best they can, with what they have.
Here are a few facts from UNICEF’s State of the World’s Mothers in 2012:
- Undernutrition is a contributing factor in the deaths of nearly 2.6 million children and 100,000 mothers each year.
- Poverty is real and the global fight against extreme poverty is far from over.
- Breastfeeding through the first 6 months of life is recommended, and in integral part of healthy nutrition for infants. It can be a lifesaving nutritional boost.
- Post-natal multivitamins are essential to both mother and baby while breastfeeding.
Vitamin Angels have created a Mother’s Day campaign to celebrate motherhood.
This is their message:
“At Vitamin Angels, WE LOVE MOMS.
We believe every mom deserves to give birth to happy, vibrant babies. But some moms don’t have that chance. Vitamins are critical for the moms we help to have safe and healthy pregnancies, and for their children to have healthy starts to life.
This month, we’re celebrating what “Motherhood Is…” and what we believe it should be for all mothers.
It’s love and laughter. It’s challenging and rewarding. It’s LIFE CHANGING.
Celebrate motherhood with us.”
- Vitamin Angels have received 6 four star ratings from Charity Navigator.
