I went into pre-term labor at just 26 weeks with my first pregnancy. I had no idea what was happening. Something didn’t feel right, so I went to the hospital hoping they would tell me everything was okay.
Instead, doctors told me I was already in labor.
Everything happened so fast. Within moments I was being rushed to the operating room for an emergency C-section. I was terrified and confused, not fully understanding what was happening or what it meant for my baby.
When he was born, I didn’t hear him cry.
That silence was unbearable.
Before I could even process what had happened, he was taken away. I didn’t get to hold him. I didn’t get to see him the way most moms do after giving birth. Instead, I was taken to recovery, alone and overwhelmed.
A doctor came in and gently explained the situation. I will never forget her words:
“There is a possibility he may be blind, or deaf, or have other developmental issues.”
My heart broke. I cried in disbelief, trying to understand how everything had changed so suddenly.
My tiny baby, weighing only 2 pounds, was fighting for his life in the NICU.
He spent four long months there. Those months were filled with fear, hope, and countless prayers. The NICU staff became our lifeline. They cared for my son with such compassion and dedication, and they cared for me too. I could visit him anytime, day or night, and even when I had to leave, I knew he was in the best hands possible.
Today, that tiny fighter is about to turn 20 years old. He’s a sophomore at UC Riverside, chasing his dreams and living a full, beautiful life. If you met him today, you would never imagine he entered this world so small and so fragile.
But I will never forget.
The fear.
The uncertainty.
And the incredible hope that carried us through.
That is why supporting the March of Dimes means so much to me. Their mission to fight for the health of every mom and every baby is deeply personal. Families like mine depend on the research, care, and advocacy they support.
Please consider visiting my fundraising page and making a donation. Together, we can help ensure that more babies get the chance my son did — the chance to grow, thrive, and live their dreams.
Every donation helps bring hope to families facing their most frightening moments.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you to our local sponsors
