Team Bridgette is part of the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we’re committed to raising awareness so that every family gets the best possible start.
My journey into motherhood began as many do—with excitement, anticipation, and the joy of imagining the life we were about to welcome into the world. I felt strong and healthy throughout my pregnancy, with nothing out of the ordinary. At 22 weeks, I experienced some swelling but nothing that stood out. Unfortunately, at a routine blood pressure check, I was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia, and admitted to the hospital for monitoring until I gave birth.
My daughter Bridgette was born at exactly 30 weeks due to IUGR and pre-eclampsia with severe features, weighing 3 pounds via an emergency c-section. Her tiny lungs weren’t developed enough to breathe on their own, and she did not cry for 10 minutes. Over the course of an 85-day NICU stay, she was able to overcome obstacles nobody ever imagined could be conquered including RDS, BPD, and several emergency surgeries to repair holes in her lungs.
Today, Bridgette is a thriving, joyful little girl, and every smile, every giggle, every milestone reached reminds me of how far she has come. I share our story to give hope to other families.
Bridgette's journey is why I’m passionate about spreading awareness of pre-eclampsia and the incredible work March of Dimes does. I knew what pre-eclampsia was, but I didn’t know how early it could strike—or that something as simple as taking a low-dose aspirin daily could reduce the risk. That’s why I’m marching this year to support March of Dimes and their Low Dose, Big Benefits™ campaign, ensuring more moms know about this potentially life-saving step.
Few life events are more joyful than the birth of a child. Yet, no one anticipates a baby born prematurely or very sick and needing to spend time in a newborn intensive care unit. Sadly, for hundreds of thousands of moms in our country, that is the frightening reality. With your help, we can help more moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the walk!
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!
