Medela Partners with Debra of America to Support Families Impacted by Epidermolysis Bullosa
McHenry, Ill., October 26, 2021 – Medela LLC, the most trusted breast pump brand*, today announced an in-kind donation to benefit an estimated 100 families impacted by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that causes extremely fragile skin and affects an estimated 1 out of every 20,000 births in the United States. The donation includes Medela Special Needs Feeders, Supplemental Nursing Systems and Pump In Style with MaxFlowTM breast pumps that will be distributed by debra of America, a non-profit organization and new Medela partner, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Epidermolysis Bullosa by providing care, supplies, and support in the form of programs and services, in addition to funding the scientific research for treatments and a future cure.
“In recognition of National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week, we aim to raise awareness of this rare disorder and the incredible value that debra of America provides to families effected by EB across the country,” explains Kimberly Aasen, senior director of global communications and corporate social responsibility for Medela. “Through this partnership, Medela Cares is able to support families effected by Epidermolysis Bullosa, as part of our ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes by focusing on infant mortality and malnutrition.”
There is no cure for EB, with the standard of care including daily wound care, protective bandaging, and pain management. Debra of America’s New Family Advocate Program, one of many programs that they offer, helps new parents and caregivers navigate the care of an infant with EB. Through this program, debra of America provides care packages filled with wound care supplies, educational materials, and other supportive items.
“We are so thankful for the Medela Cares program and the commitment Medela has shown to help families in dire need,” shares Brett Kopelan, executive director of debra of America. “Many of the more severely affected infants and young children with EB have difficulty feeding because of this horrific disease. Blistering inside the infant or child’s mouth is often the result from traditional feeding systems and this hampers further eating, resulting in growth retardation and failure to thrive. Medela’s donation of products like their Special Needs Feeders will help children get the nutrition they need by making the feeding process easier for the child. Feeding is no longer as stressful for the child or caretaker resulting in the ability to ingest the proper amount of calories and nutrients.”
Through Medela Cares, Medela has provided more than $2 million in in-kind product donations to non-profit organizations across America since 2008. Medela is focused on expanding the support available to new parents, introducing new digital resources and breastfeeding products throughout the year. Recently Medela introduced Medela Baby, the company’s new category expansion, features a full range of pacifiers for infants through 18 months and beyond. Purelan™ delivers protection for breastfeeding moms with its advanced formulation of medical-grade, single-ingredient lanolin.
About debra of America
debra of America is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) in the United States. To achieve this, debra of America provides free programs and services to the EB Community in the U.S. and funds the most innovative research directed at symptom relief and a systemic cure. “Because the cost of doing nothing is too great” is an axiom that defines debra of America’s mission and directs all of its actions as an organization. For more information, please visit debra.org.
About Medela & Medela Cares
Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides the leading research-based breast milk feeding and baby products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit medela.us.
Medela has aligned its strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact through Medela Cares, joining in 2020. Medela Cares is focused on engaging and expanding its role and leading the conversation about women and children’s health, specifically, maternal health care. Medela Cares reflects the company’s unique position to: fight infant and maternal mortality and malnutrition; protect the most vulnerable infants; increase access to quality healthcare, education and resources; and promote gender equality and inclusion. For more information, visit MedelaCares.com.
