iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 13h

LeSherri James, VP of our board & a MACA mom herself, has entered a competition to host a brand-new podcast! If LeSherri wins the Top Host contest, her show would be produced by iHeartRadio. Plus she’d be a guest on Ryan Seacrest’s show and win $25K. Vote for LeSherri: tophost.org/2026/lesherr...

Photo of LeSherri James, looking into the camera and smiling.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This past Friday we held our 10th annual Perinatal HIV Boot Camp for our incoming hotline fellows! Our president Anne Statton snapped these pics of medical director Lynn Yee, MD kicking off this day of training (left), and Ryan Kates, PharmD, presenting a lecture on HIV Pharmacology (right). #HIVsky

Photo of Dr. Lynn Yee standing at the front of a classroom next to a lectern. Behind her is a screen with a slide that says, Prevention of perinatal and postnatal HIV transmission. What's new in the guidelines?

Photo of Ryan Kates as he gives his lecture, with a slide that has a list of objectives for understanding HIV medications on the screen behind him.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🧵 Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? @ilhumanservices.bsky.social has info that may be helpful in getting your benefits back. 1️⃣ You can check to see if you might be exempt from SNAP work requirements by visiting aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Before #SickleCellAwarenessMonth draws to a close, we’re sharing some key facts from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. ...

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We did it! AIDS Run & Walk Chicago for 2026 is in the books. We were blessed with sunny skies, a sparkling blue lake, and a huge crowd who turned out to support local HIV/AIDS organizations, including MACA. Here are a few favorite pics from the day, including our team photo ...

Photo of the team for Mother and Child Alliance at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2026, standing and kneeling on a field of green grass, wearing their orange team shirts, under a blue sky with Soldier Field in the background. There are 14 human team members and one small cute dog.

Photo of two members of Team MACA walking along the lakefront, with blue water and the Chicago skyline behind them. Their arms are upraised in triumph. There is another team member walking a small distance behind them, making the same gesture.

Photo of five members of MACA's staff, standing on a field of green grass, wearing their orange team shirts, under a blue sky with Soldier Field in the background.

Photo that shows a member of MACA's team standing on a concrete path that forms part of the route for AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. She's making a heart gesture with her hands. Next to her is a stream of other walkers passing by as they follow the route. The Chicago skyline is in the background, under a bright blue sky.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

New team shirt color reveal! After four years of rocking our distinctive lime-green team shirts at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, we’re shifting to a new color this year: a nice, deep autumnal orange. 🍁

Photo showing three members of the team for Mother and Child Alliance at the 2025 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, wearing their team shirts and smiling as they stand arm in arm under a canopy on a bright sunny day.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

There are just 3 days left till AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, so we’re now counting down the hours. Less than 72 until the big event on Saturday! ⏰ If you haven't already, there's still time to chip in and sponsor our team. Even $5 or $10 can make a big difference! action.aidschicago.org/team/831156

A montage of four photos of members of the team for Mother and Child Alliance at AIDS Run and Walk Chicago in previous years, posing in small groups and walking along the lakefront on a sunny morning.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We're proud to be a 2026 Excellence in Care grant applicant with DIFFA Chicago and invite you to join us at Art for Life Chicago 2026! 🗓️ Thursday, October 1, 2026 📍 The Mart – South Lobby Tickets & info: aflc2026.givesmart.com #AFLC2026

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

We’re just 1 week away from AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, and we’re still looking for 4 more wonderful people to join our team this year. The event takes place Saturday, 9/26 at Soldier Field—and registration is just $20 if you sign up before 9/20! To join or donate: action.aidschicago.org/team/831156

Photo of two members of MACA's team at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in 2025, sitting in folding chairs under a canopy. Both are wearing their lime-green team shirts and smiling. One holds a sign that says, Resist judgment. Restore faith and love. Renew hope.

Photo that shows people walking along the lakefront on a sunny morning at last year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, including a member of the team for MACA in her lime green t-shirt.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Illinois's new FRESH program can be a lifeline for Illinois residents who've lost SNAP benefits due to new federal restrictions. @borderlessmag.bsky.social spoke with state officials & food advocates to put together this explainer article about the FRESH program, with answers to common questions.

borderlessmag.org

What is Illinois’ FRESH Program? – Resources – Borderless Magazine NFP

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Reposted by Mother and Child Alliance (MACA)

Dave Awl @daveawl.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

For the 4th year in a row, I’ll be walking with the team for @motherchild.bsky.social at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Sept 26. Huge gratitude to anyone who’s willing to chip in a little to sponsor me & support MACA’s incredible work on behalf of moms with HIV. Link: action.aidschicago.org/DaveAwl26

Photo of Dave (in the center) with two other members of the team for Mother and Child Alliance, on a sunny September morning at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in 2025.

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Reposted by Mother and Child Alliance (MACA)

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation @egpaf.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

In Nigeria, Teen Corners are helping close the treatment and viral suppression gaps. Read more at pedaids.org/2026/09/11/how-do-you-w….

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

September is close to our hearts at MACA, because it’s Newborn Screening Awareness month! Each year, millions of babies in the US receive routine screening — and thousands of babies get the extra care and attention they need so they can grow up healthy, all thanks to newborn screening.

Photo of a mom smiling as she looks down at a small baby, lying on its back, in a sunlit room.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

There are just two short weeks left till AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, and if you’re looking for some good karma, now’s the perfect time to chip in and support our team! Even a small donation can have a huge positive impact for moms with HIV and their kids.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

On Sunday our president Anne Statton was joined for #BikeTheDrive by her nephew Patrick, sister Laurie, and brother-in-law Bill. There was a little extra drama this time due to a flat tire, which required a short “15-minute technical intermission” before Anne and her squad were back on the road.

A montage of five photos from Bike the Drive. At top left, Anne is smiling while wearing her bike helmet and colorful activewear. A lower left, Anne is working on the flat tire repair as others look on. At top right, Anne and her family members in biking gear pose with downtown skyscrapers behind them. At middle right, Anne and her squad pose with their bikes at the beginning of the route. At lower right, Anne and her squad pose on Lake Shore Drive with the Chicago skyline in the distance behind them.

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Reposted by Mother and Child Alliance (MACA)

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation @egpaf.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Our team reviewed the research. Here are five things that stood out in the areas of pediatric and maternal HIV at #AIDS2026. And how we are putting these findings into practice. pedaids.org/resource/research-revie…

pedaids.org

Research Review: Pediatric and Maternal HIV at AIDS 2026 - EGPAF

After reviewing the research on pediatric HIV presented at AIDS 2026, here is how we are putting these findings into practice.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Labor Day weekend means that fall is on the horizon — and so is this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on September 26 at Soldier Field! There’s still time to sign up if you’d like to join us for a lovely autumn walk, roll, or run along the lake while doing something good to help others.

Photo of people walking along the lakefront at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in 2025, with a member of MACA's team in the forefront, smiling and waving at the camera.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

You're pregnant! You probably have a lot of things on your mind. Make sure one of those things is a syphilis test. We've teamed up with @idph.bsky.social (Illinois Department of Public Health) to tell you why in the thread below. ⬇️

Graphic with a photo of a pregnant person. Text reads, You're pregnant. Time for ... a syphilis test? It's an easy way to protect yourself and your baby. Here's what you need to know. At the bottom of the image are the logos for Mother and Child Alliance and Illinois Department of Public Health.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

We’d like to spotlight our fantastic program coordinator, Denise Alcauter, who reached her one-year anniversary with MACA earlier this year! Denise’s role means that she’s involved with multiple programs, including our 24/7 Illinois Perinatal HIV Hotline and Perinatal Syphilis Warmline ...

A montage of five photos of Denise and others. In the upper left is Denise holding a bright pink coffee mug. At lower left is Denise walking with others along the lakefront at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. At top right is Denise with two other MACA staff members at our 25th Anniversary Celebration last year. At middle right is Denise with her mom by the seaside. At lower right is Denise meeting with other members of MACA's staff at the restaurant she helps run with her family members.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Here’s a look at this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, by the numbers ... 🍁 4 = number of weeks left till this year’s event on Saturday, September 26 at Soldier Field 👟 5K = length of route for the Walk & Roll (plus optional 5K/10K Run)

Photo showing members of Team MACA at last year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, wearing their lime green team shirts for Mother and Child Alliance.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A round of applause for our friends with paws! In celebration of #NationalDogDay (August 26), here are a few pics of MACA team members and their canine friends. See below for who's who.

A montage of four square images in a grid. At upper left is Evelyn, standing in a living room and smiling while holding a small Pomeranian-type dog dressed in a little red and blue outfit. At upper right is Iyesha, smiling and holding a small gray and white poodle-type dog. At lower left is Milo resting on a sofa but looking alert, gazing off to the right. He appears to be a short-haired potcake or Carolina-type dog with a tan coat, wearing a collar. At lower right is a graphic with a background of paw prints that says, Happy National Dog Day, August 26.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

🧵 Big cheers for our exec director Anne Statton, who successfully completed this year’s SuperTri #ChicagoTriathlon with TEAM TO END AIDS (T2 CHICAGO). Anne did both the SuperSprint on Saturday and the Sprint distance on Sunday.

Photo of Anne outdoors, smiling and holding up her triathlon medal.

Photo of Anne standing next to a banner for Team To End AIDS at the Chicago Triathlon.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

🧵 If you or your family recently lost SNAP benefits due to the new federal requirements, it’s possible that you may be able to file an exemption. The State of Illinois’s ABE site has a portal where you can check: aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

🧵 This year’s #ChicagoTriathlon just a few days away! Our exec director Anne Statton has been training hard all year, raising funds for various causes along the way. This Sunday, August 23, is the biggie: Anne will be raising funds for MACA as part of TEAM TO END AIDS (T2 CHICAGO).

A montage of five photos showing Anne running by the lakefront, waving and smiling in swim gear, bike training with family members, posing with a medal after a race, and running in an earlier triathlon.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

🧵 In honor of #NationalNonprofitDay (August 17), we’re giving a shout-out to three of our fellow Illinois nonprofits whose work and missions we admire (see below). We salute all of the hardworking nonprofits who do what they do to make the world a better place, every day!

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

🧵 Our friends at @thewellprojecthiv.bsky.social recently shared this article that debunks some of the most common misunderstandings about HIV, and offers clear statements of fact to help dispel the fear and stigma. As the article notes ...

thewellproject.org

Truths About HIV and Women | The Well Project

Learn some basic realities about HIV – treatment, tests, transmission, and more – and help disrupt common myths about this health condition.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Swimming to a cure! On Sunday, August 9 our exec director Anne Statton participated in A Long Swim, which raises funds for research into ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). Anne was joined by her sister Kersti and brother-in-law Bill for the event at Tower Road Beach in Winnetka.

Photo of Anne, Kersti, and Bill on a beach with other swimmers just after sunrise, with an orange sky and blue clouds behind them.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Ending HIV depends on understanding a simple equation: U=U, which means “undetectable equals untransmittable.” HIV treatment saves lives and helps people with HIV stay healthy. When a person’s viral load is reduced to “undetectable,” that means HIV can’t be sexually transmitted to their partners.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Every year we look forward to AIDS Run & Walk Chicago because it gives us a chance to bring the MACA family together & walk in solidarity for a larger purpose. This year’s event is less than 2 months away—but there’s still plenty of time to sign up if you’d like to walk, run, or roll with us. 🧵 1/2

A montage of five photos showing members of Mother and Child Alliance's team at AIDS Run and Walk Chicago in past years, walking along the lake front or gathering on the grounds before the event.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! You have the power to protect yourself and your baby each pregnancy from serious diseases like whooping cough and flu. Ask your doctor or nurse about the vaccines you need during pregnancy. #ivax2protect

Graphic with a photo of a smiling woman with a small bandage on her arm where she's just been vaccinated. Text reads, National Immunization Awareness Month.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Our executive director Anne Statton is continuing to train hard for this year’s #ChicagoTriathlon. This past weekend she participated in the Naperville Sprint Triathlon with her nephew Patrick and brother-in-law Bill. It was Patrick’s second-ever triathlon! 🧵 1/3

Photo of Anne with her nephew and brother-in-law, all wearing medals at the Naperville Sprint Triathlon.

Photo of Anne running in the Naperville Sprint Triathlon.

Photo of Anne waving during the swim portion of the Naperville Sprint Triathlon.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Important news for Illinoisans in need of food assistance! Illinois is launching the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to help individuals who lost SNAP benefits due to recent federal work requirement changes. 🧵 1/4

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Only 55% of all children living with HIV are receiving the antiretroviral treatment they need to save their lives, according to a brand-new special report from @unaids.org. Check out the complete report on the UNAIDS website: www.unaids.org/en/resources... 🧵 1/3

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

In times like these, the ability to depend on public health institutions matters more than ever. That’s just one of the reasons why we’re so grateful for the fantastic folks at Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), whose ongoing partnership and support help inform and empower our work. 🧵 1/3

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Sunday, July 26 is National Aunt & Uncle's Day! We love the way this relatively new holiday celebrates the valuable role of aunts and uncles in families — helping out parents while providing extra love and support. If you have aunts and uncles you love, make sure you tell them so this weekend! 🧵 1/2

Photo of Anne at right, sitting in a restaurant with her sister and niece, all smiling

Photo of Anne at left with her nephew sitting happily in front of a display at the Color Factory with vivid black and white stripes.

Photo of Anne at left with another of her nieces, both smiling

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Thinking about joining us for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago? This is the perfect time to sign up because you can save 20% if you register by Friday 7/24. Visit our team page at the link below, click "Join Team" & enter the code RESTORE during registration. action.aidschicago.org/team/831156

Photo of a big crowd walking along the lakefront on a bright sunny day at the 2023 edition of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. The Adler planetarium and the sparkling blue water of Lake Michigan are visible behind the crowd. People are smiling and waving at the camera.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Our friends at @egpaf.bsky.social have released a new brief that provides an overview of the current landscape of pediatric HIV, including the successes and challenges, and gives recommendations on how to move forward towards Generation Zero—the end of pediatric HIV. 🧵 1/7

pedaids.org

Common Ground for Global Health Policy Brief: Pediatric HIV - EGPAF

Overview Children* are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic yet are consistently deprioritized and underserved compared to other affected populations. UNAIDS’ global treatment targets call ...

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

We’d like to express our boundless thanks to our friends at Chicago Foundation for Women for their support of MACA’s work—including a recent award of $14,000 to help keep our lights on and our doors open, as we continue providing much-needed care & assistance to MACA moms and their kids. 🧵 1/3

Graphic with a photo of a group of women and girls. Text reads, 40 years. Chicago Foundation for Women. Unite. Uplift. Unleash. 40 Years of Progress and Collective Power. Learn more about CFW.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

This year’s edition of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is just a couple of months away now, and we’re looking for 30 wonderful people to join our squad! The 2026 event takes place Saturday, September 26 at Soldier Field. 🧵 1/3

Photo showing members of the team for Mother and Child Alliance at the 2025 AIDS Run and Walk Chicago, wearing their lime green team shirts and smiling while standing under a canopy on a bright sunny day

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Reposted by Mother and Child Alliance (MACA)

Atul Gawande @agawande.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

More signs of resurging HIV after USAID’s closure. African Neonatal Network reported at IMNCH (a global health conference): HIV+ pregnant women ↑50% & those not on antiretrovirals ↑>300%, year-on-year, across 22 hospitals in 5 nations. @vtoxfordnetwork.bsky.social

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Triathlon season is in high gear! Our exec director Anne Statton is continuing to train hard for this year’s #ChicagoTriathlon, where she’ll once again be raising funds for MACA as part of TEAM TO END AIDS (T2 CHICAGO). 🧵 1/5

Anne with her friend Bill at the Lake Zurich Triathlon

Anne with medal after the Lake Zurich Triathlon

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

July is #BIPOCMentalHealthMonth. When the world feels overwhelming, isolating, or heavy, connection can be a lifeline, especially in BIPOC communities. Find out more by visiting @mhanational.org's BIPOC mental health resources at: mhanational.org/bipoc 🧡

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

July 8-14 is Group B Strep Awareness Week! GBS is a fast-acting type of bacteria that can transfer from moms to babies—so it’s important to know the signs of possible infection. Visit the link below to find out more via @groupbstrep.bsky.social: www.groupbstrepinternational.org/recognize-th...

Graphic with an illustration of the globe and five human figures, one of which is highlighted. Text reads, Group B Strep is an issue worldwide. 1 in 5 pregnant women carry Group B Strep.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Summer is a time for new adventures—and for looking ahead to the future! In that spirit, here’s a brand-new drawing by Daniel, one of the sons of our perinatal data manager Iyesha. Its title is “The Road Ahead,” and it may be inspired by the fact that Daniel will be starting high school this fall!

A colorful drawing, signed Daniel in the lower-right corner. It shows two figures in silhouette, seen from behind. The taller one looks human, and the shorter one next to it looks like a small bear. They appear to be traveling companions. They're standing on a green hill, looking at a highway with a yellow dotted line stretching into the distance through open land. On the horizon are pointy mountains or possibly pyramids, some brown, others pink. And one of the pink mountains is shaped like an animal character with eyes and small ears. Behind the mountains is a blue sky with white clouds and a rising or setting sun.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Look who’s ready to celebrate! Scout, the feline friend of our exec director Anne, is already dressed up for the festivities. We’re wishing you all a happy, safe, and healthy Fourth of July weekend!

Photo of of a light orange tabby cat, gazing into the camera with a serious expression, while wearing a large red, white, and blue bow just under the chin.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth! It’s a time to celebrate disability identity and community, as well as the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year’s theme is “The World Works Better With Us,” focusing on the importance of full inclusion in everyday life.🧵 1/2

Graphic that says Happy Disability Pride Month with the design of the Disability Pride Flag in the background.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

As we close out this year’s Pride month, our exec director Anne was joined by her friend Jo for the Proud To Run Chicago 5K & 10K in Montrose Harbor. The theme for 2026 was “SPARK JOY, SPEAK OUT, SHINE ON.” Anne did the 5K and came in first for her age group and category! 🧵 1/3

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

On Sunday, June 21, our exec director Anne Statton participated in the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate, along with several family members and more than 3,000 other participants who turned out to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. 🧵 1/4

Photo of Anne with three of her family members, dressed for the Race Against Hate. Anne is on the right.

Photo of Anne running in the Race Against Hate, wearing a rainbow tutu over her running clothes.

Photo of Anne and her nephew smiling, with the finish line banner for the Race Against Hate in the background.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Come walk, run, or roll with us! We're looking for 30 wonderful people to join our squad for this year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago—and you can get a 20% discount on registration if you sign up by June 26! Visit our team page, click "Join Team," and enter promo code RESIST: www.classy.org/team/584094

A group photo from the 2025 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago event, showing members of the team for MACA in their lime-green team shirts under a canopy.

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Mother and Child Alliance (MACA) @motherchild.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

🧵Happy #FathersDay from all of us at MACA! Our exec director Anne shared these pics of her own dad and says: "My dad was quite a character, as you can see from the photos. He was always a champion of the underserved & underdogs of all kinds. And he loved to bend an ear with his stories." 🧵 1/2

A montage of four photos. At top is a photo of Anne as a grownup with her father as an older man. At lower left is a vintage photo of Anne with her dad. In the lower center is a framed black and white photo of her dad in uniform. At lower right is a photo of her dad as an older man smiling and wearing a fedora.

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