Twenty-three weeks. This is the youngest a premature child can be in order to survive. His or her chance of survival is twenty percent; his or her chance at a normal life is even lower.

Two times the risk. African-American women are two times more likely to have a premature child than any other race.

These are among many shocking facts Head Coach Karleen Thompson learned on her tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital made possible by March of Dimes and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The Houston Comets and March of Dimes are partnering to increase the awareness and prevention of premature birth.

To learn what you can do to help this great cause, please call (713) 627-WNBA.

In photo (left to right): Dr. Amir M. Khan; Coach Karleen Thompson; Dr. John W. Sparks; Karen Brumley, Director NICU Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital; Richard L. Jennings, Executive Director March of Dimes