Guest Author - Kris Bigalk

During the holiday season, many families choose to give to charities of their choice. Here are some charitable organizations that provide services to twins. Before donating to any organization, you should research the organization thoroughly, so please just use this list as a starting point.

National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs (NOMTC)
This organization is the umbrella for multitudes of twins clubs in communities across the United States. Two of the primary goals of this organization include completing research about twins and education about twins. To find out more, see this link: http://www.nomotc.org/

March of Dimes
Many twins are born prematurely; in fact, 50% of all twins are born before the 36th week of pregnancy. The March of Dimes, one of the oldest and most established charities in the United States, offers a free "change jar" saving kit, where families can save their spare change to benefit premature babies. Donating the traditional way is also an option. For more information, see http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21321.asp

The Twins Foundation
According to their website, The Twins Foundation is an international membership organization and primary research information center on twins and other multiples. It serves twins, their families, the media, medical and social scientists and the general public through its publications, its National Twin Registry and its multi-media resource center. The Foundation was established in 1983 by twins to collect, preserve and communicate information about twins and other multiples and twin research. For more information, see their website at http://www.twinsfoundation.com

The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome occurs in some identical twin pregnancies, and threatens the development of both babies in utero. According to the foundation's website, educational, emotional and sometimes financial support is given to the diagnosed parents to help them understand the syndrome, understand where they babies specifically are in the diagnosis of the syndrome, to create a medical plan of action to care for the babies, and get to treatment as soon as possible. For more information, see the website at http://www.tttsfoundation.org/foundation.html

Twinlesss Twins
This organization's mission statement appears on their website: "Our organization exists to provide a safe and compassionate community for twinless twins to experience healing and understanding. We provide support for twins and other multiples who have lost their twin due to death or estrangement at any age." While the organization primarily provides emotional support to twinless twins and other surviving family members, they are seeking funding to provide scholarships to conferences and workshops, as well as other activities. To learn more, see their website at http://www.twinlesstwins.org/AboutUs/SupportTTSGI/tabid/186/Default.aspx