Today in the U.S., 1 in every 8 babies will be born prematurely. Some of them won't survive like Robert, and others will have health problems that could last a lifetime. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives.

At 27 weeks my twins, Robert and Thomas arrived into this world with a long hard road ahead of them. The doctors did everything they could to try stop my labor - magnisim sulfite by the hour, put me in an inclined position, complete bed rest in the hospital - nothing seemed to stop the inevitable. Robbie came out strong and trying to breath on his own. Imagine our surprise when 2 days later the Neonatoligist told us that he had a pulminary hemorage and was not going to make it! Devastation does not even come close to explaining what we felt. But, we had to stay strong - Tommy was still fighting for his life! Lutheran General's NICU did an incredible job in comforting us and helping Tommy fight for his life. Tommy will turn 5 on March 5th and we thank God and all those that have helped in every way to get him and us where we are today!

The March of Dimes has made great strides in so many areas but we still have a long way to go. Won't you help me by sponsoring me or walking with me to help raise funds so maybe, someday, families won't have to go through what mine has.

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