Event raises money for prematurity awareness

Several high school boys and girls basketball teams will battle it out in scrimmage games while simultaneously working together to raise awareness of prematurity.
The 4th annual Shelby Zoe Smith Hoops for Preemies is Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Webb School of Knoxville.
Expanded this year, the event will offer multiple thrills, keeping games rotating every hour on three separate courts throughout the morning and early afternoon. Donations accepted at the door will benefit the private-room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The University of Tennessee Medical Center.
The NICU staff members care for approximately 800 premature and critically ill babies every year. The event is named for Shelby Zoe Smith, who was born three months premature in October 2006 and spent the first 100 days of her life in the NICU at UT Medical Center. Shelby is now a happy, healthy girl turning four years old at the end of October.
"As we embark on the 4th annual Shelby Zoe Smith Hoops for Preemies, we are more determined than ever to raise awareness and funds to help the NICU at UT Medical Center provide the best care possible to the families of premature babies," said Seth Smith, Shelby’s father. “Families preparing to have a baby need to be aware of premature birth and its potential causes. Just being cognizant of some of the potential warning signs can be helpful during a pregnancy.”
Staff members from UT Medical Center’s NICU and Center for Women & Children’s Health will be on hand providing information about prematurity. Some key facts to be aware of include: Prematurity is the leading cause of infant death, One in eight babies is born prematurely in the United States, In Tennessee, the prematurity rate is worse: one in seven babies.
While many premature births, like Shelby’s, may not be preventable, there are several causes of prematurity that are known. These causes include poor maternal health, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and lack of prenatal care. The Smith family wants every family to know the information that can help lead to lower incidences of premature births.
“We are excited as we plan for this year’s Hoops for Preemies to support the NICU,” said Peggy Hotz, vice president of the Center for Women and Children’s Health at UT Medical Center. “Seth and Millicent Smith have dedicated so much of their time and energy in planning the events, and we’re incredibly thankful for their support, which allows UT Medical Center to continue in its mission to provide the best neonatal care for the babies of East Tennessee.”