Whether you know it or not, we are ALL March of Dimes babies. Every year, nearly HALF A MILLION BABIES are born prematurely in the U.S. In Alabama, that number is one in 8. Many have to fight with their tiny lives to survive, spending days, weeks, months, even longer in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU). And every week in Alabama, 10 babies die before their 1st birthday. These statistics are horrifying and unacceptable. The emotional and physical toll on families is tremendous, often even detrimental. The financial toll on society and businesses is astronomical at approximately $26.2 Billion each year - including medical costs, educational costs, absenteeism and lost productivity.
Premature birth is a COMMON, COSTLY and CRITICAL health problem. No other organization is working and fighting harder than the March of Dimes to find a way to end it. Premature birth is the #1 killer of babies in the U.S. and the under leading cause of death in children the age of 5 around the world. There is no doubt that it leaves many children with life-long disabilities. With YOUR HELP, we CAN and WILL continue to make a difference. The March of Dimes believes that every parent deserves to know the joy of having a healthy baby, and every baby deserves a fighting chance at life.
I am so thankful that my niece, Piper and my nephew, Henry - both born prematurely - are not only ALIVE today, but that Piper is now a healthy, beautiful 19-year-old freshman at Samford University, and Henry is a thriving 7-year-old. We could not imagine life without them in it. They are truly blessings to our family. And now we have a precious 3 ½ year-old, Jack, our own little miracle who spent 5 days in the NICU here with us to walk for!
This is our 18th year as a family team, and we couldn't think of a better way to do our part and help try to keep this from happening to other families. We hope you will consider joining our team and/or making a 100% tax-deductible donation to support our efforts. It means the world. Thank you.
Ashley Toms, Team Toms
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!
