As the Executive Director of the March of Dimes for the Western and Central Pennsylvania Markets, I’m often asked where my passion for our mission comes from. It began with my own pregnancy journey. Over time, it grew through the powerful stories of the families, volunteers, and healthcare professionals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. Now, after a decade with March of Dimes, that passion has become even more personal.
On February 16, 2024, I experienced one of the happiest milestones in life, becoming a grandmother. My granddaughter, Avery Nicole, was born via a scheduled C-section, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. For a brief moment, everything was perfect. Then suddenly, she turned bluish-purple, and in a matter of seconds, the medical team rushed in and whisked her away. Avery spent the next 11 days in the NICU, days filled with fear, uncertainty, and hope.
Avery received surfactant therapy, a critical treatment for newborns with underdeveloped lungs. It helps prevent respiratory distress syndrome, one of the leading causes of complications and death in premature and sick infants. Surfactant therapy has saved countless babies lives since its introduction and it exists because of research funded by the March of Dimes.
That is the power of our mission. We fund groundbreaking research that leads to real life-saving solutions. Surfactant therapy isn’t just medical science, it’s the reason Avery is here today.
When you give to March of Dimes, you’re not just making a donation. You’re investing in research, innovation, and care that saves babies’ lives and supports families during their most vulnerable moments.
I invite you to stand with me to give, to advocate, and to make a difference. Because every baby deserves the best possible start, and every family deserves hope.
Please consider donating today and thank you for making a difference for moms, babies and families.
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!
