Alysia Hartmann

I participate in March for Babies because every family deserves the joy of a healthy baby. With nearly 4 million babies born each year, the March of Dimes’ mission is more important than ever. The funds we raise support life‑saving research, critical programs, education, and advocacy for moms and babies in our communities and across the country.

This cause is deeply personal to me.

For those of you who don't know my story… at 31 weeks and 4 days, during an otherwise normal pregnancy, something didn’t feel right. 

I woke up that morning with an uneasy feeling I couldn’t quite explain. I thought about going to the ER, but I brushed it off as stress or anxiety and told myself I was overreacting. I went to work and called my doctor’s office as soon as they opened. Thankfully, the nurse, truly an angel in disguise, told me to come in right away and reminded me that a mother’s intuition is something you never ignore.

When I got to the office, my doctor, Dr. Mac, examined me and gently explained that my water had broken and was slowly leaking. I would need to go straight to the hospital — and I wouldn’t be leaving without having a baby. I remember fighting back tears and saying, “I can’t… it’s not time yet.” The nurse and Dr. Mac calmly reassured me that babies born around 32 weeks can do very well, and that my baby needed me to be strong.

I drove myself to the hospital and called my husband on the way. Another ultrasound showed us that the baby was smaller than expected. I received surfactant to help develop his lungs, and the doctors hoped to keep him inside for 17 more days, until 34 weeks.

But that night, when I stood up to go to the bathroom, my water fully broke. I went into active labor, and there was no stopping it. Suddenly the room was full of doctors, nurses, and students — calm, focused, and working quickly — while I tried to process a whirlwind of fear, shock, and disbelief.

At 5:53 a.m., Jack arrived at 31 weeks and 5 days, weighing 3 lb. 4 oz. Dr. Mac delivered him and handed him off after just a brief moment in my arms before Jack was rushed to the NICU. We later learned that the umbilical cord had been wrapped around his neck and tied in a knot, cutting off the nutrients he needed. His small size is what allowed him to arrive safely. My intuition had been right — something was wrong, and he was telling me.

I didn’t get to see him again for a few hours, and even then only for about 10 minutes. He was so tiny in the isolette. I held his little hand and told him how much I loved him and how strong he needed to be.

Jack received treatments in the NICU — including surfactant therapy — that would not exist without March of Dimes research and funding. 

We are forever grateful to the team at Advocate Christ’s NICU, especially his doctor, Dr. Kamp, whose skill, compassion, and calm presence carried us through the scariest moments of our lives. Dr. Kamp and his team not only cared for Jack medically, they cared for us emotionally, offering reassurance and hope when we needed it most. 

The NICU journey was a rollercoaster, full of fear, hope, tears, joy, lots and lots of hiccups, and countless tiny victories. Jack did not have any other complications in the NICU. All scans, blood work, and other tests came back completely normal. My baby was perfect, he was just a little small. After 26 days and weighing under 5 pounds, our little fighter came home, a full month before his due date. That day was one of the happiest of my life. Every year, we celebrate his birthday and the day he came home from the hospital.

Today, Jack is a healthy, energetic, sports‑obsessed nine‑year‑old who dreams of being on American Ninja Warrior. He’s strong, brave, and absolutely unstoppable.

Our story is one of many — and that’s why I walk.

If you believe every baby deserves the strongest possible start, I invite you to march with us or make a donation to support this vital work.

Together, we can fight for the health of all moms and babies.