My son Parker was born on April 10th 2008 at 2lbs and 15oz. He was 10 weeks early and has been fighting obstacle after obstacle to get healthy.

He finally came home in May of 2009 after being hospitalized for over a year since birth.

Before Parker was born, prematurity was only just a thought in the back of my mind. Although I was not born early, prematurity appears to be part of my family. Through every surgery, procedure, and doctor visit, knowing our friends and family are behind us make it just that much easier at the end of the day. I have not been able to say thank you to every person who's been by our side in our journey thus far, but please know my family and I truly and deeply thank you for the support.

With your good thoughts and wishes, my son is now 26lbs and 30inches. There are no words to describe how a parent feels to see their child start their life in an incubator and progress to standing on their own. We honestly believe he's our little miracle baby.

I've joined March for Babies because the March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation.

The money we raise for March for Babies will help:

- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects

- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby

- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care

- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children

Please help by donating today!

It's easy, safe and secure - just click to make your donation.

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.