Tyler Ott

I walk for all the preemies out there. I was born a month premature and spent time in the NICU. In her last few months of pregnancy, my mom developed preeclampsia and was sent home on bedrest. Within a few days of bedrest, her water broke and she had to be rushed to the hospital. The doctors were afraid my lungs weren't developed completely. I was born in less than 8 hours and was rushed to the NICU. My mom didn't get to hold him or even hear me cry. They immediately put me on a ventilator. Luckily within just a few hours, the doctors determined that my lungs were developed. Late that night, the nurses knew my mom wanted to see me and wheeled her down to the NICU. There I was, in an isolette, hooked up to wires and machines. She was able to touch me, but not hold me. The next day, my mom was released from the hospital and had to me at the hospital. Luckily, after 10 days in the hospital, I was able to go home with my mom and dad. I had no problems with health or developmental issues going forward. During my childhood, I played soccer, baseball, basketball and football. My senior year of high school I was offered the opportunity to play football at Harvard. After graduating from Harvard, I went on to play in the NFL. I now play for the Seattle Seahawks.

I am one of the lucky babies...I am thankful for that each and every day. It's also the reason I am so passionate about raising money for the March of Dimes. I want all moms to have the opportunity to experience an on-time delivery and a healthy baby. ALL moms deserve that! Together we can make a difference in the lives of babies, so they can have the strongest start possible!