Kristin Beisler

We walk for our son Ryan. We walk for our family. We walk for ALL babies, moms and families.

June 1st will be our 13th March for Babies and we walk in honor of Ryan. After a healthy and issue-free pregnancy, Ryan was born at 24 weeks, 2 days, weighed 1 pound, 11 ounces and was about a foot long. They were never able to give us a reason for his premature birth. Through the care and expertise of the Maine Med NICU team and the support of the March of Dimes, Ryan came home after 156 days in the NICU.

Ryan is now 13.5 years old and in 7th grade. His favorite subjects in school are writing, social studies and gym.  At home he enjoys playing video games, creating videos, shooting hoops in the driveway, throwing a football with friends, writing stories and reading. Ryan is outgoing, entertaining, polite and caring and, in addition to flag football, he likes to ski, golf, play basketball and ultimate frisbee. His laugh is contagious and his smile lights up a room!

Speaking from experience, having a preterm child is not something most people are prepared for or ever dream of, so the help and support of the March of Dimes was invaluable and most welcome during that difficult and challenging time.

With preterm birth rates and maternal deaths continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth.

Please consider supporting our walk. Together, we're marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families! Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start and keep moms safe before, during and after childbirth!