Pictured: Tony, Liam, Levi, AnnMarie, Payson, Tarah Our story began like so many others, full of joy and anticipation. In October 2012, we were expecting our first child, Parker. What started as an ordinary fall day ended with the unimaginable. Parker was born suddenly at just 23 weeks due to an undetected infection. He weighed 1 pound, 6 ounces, and fought bravely for nine precious days in the NICU. The first time I held him was also the moment he took his last breaths. In those nine days, Parker taught us that a life does not need to be long to be deeply meaningful. In the midst of grief, we held onto hope. Thirteen months later, we welcomed our rainbow baby, Liam, born healthy at 39 weeks. As our hearts healed, our family continued to grow in ways we never expected. When Liam was two, we discovered we were expecting again. That surprise became three when we learned we were carrying triplets. Given our past, the pregnancy was filled with both joy and fear. After months of bedrest and careful monitoring, Levi, Payson, and AnnMarie were born at 33 weeks and spent 18 days in the NICU before coming home together. Today, our home is full of life. Liam is now 12, the triplets are thriving at 8, and Parker’s name is spoken daily as our firstborn and forever part of our family. Our journey has shown us the fragility of life and the strength of community and care. March of Dimes plays a critical role in ensuring families like ours receive the support, research, and advocacy needed so more babies can have healthy beginnings and strong futures.