Kristy Shapiro

We are so excited to participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies walk this year! Each year we expand our network and meet new families who have experience with prematurity, and we are grateful for these connections and supports. This event is and will continue to be an important part of our journey every year- so any size donation would mean the world to us!

Cameron was born at 25 weeks' gestation, weighing in at 1lb 11oz, and she spent 109 days in the NICU. Cameron faced many challenges early on during her time in the NICU- she battled a gut infection, bacterial infection, heart murmur, chronic lung disease, thrush and an eye disease requiring laser surgery. Although there have been ups and downs, Cameron is thriving both medically and developmentally and started Kindergarten this year! She is truly a miracle. It took us several years, consultations, a surgery and a miscarriage, but we were thrilled when our son Brooks was born. Following in his sister's footsteps, he was born prematurely at 34 weeks weighing 4lbs 3oz, and he spent 37 days in the NICU. Although his journey has been less complex, we were faced with many of the same fears regarding development. Like Cameron, Brooks is thriving and has brought so much joy to our family. We are forever grateful for the care we received at BWH and for our team of primary nurses. We wouldn't be where we are today without them!

We participate to help all moms and families experience the joy of a healthy baby. With nearly 4 million babies born each year, we have a lot of work to do to help them all. The funds we raise enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. If you believe, like we do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me or make a donation to support this community effort. Together we can fight for the health of all moms and babies.