On August 2, 2022, Ian and Joslyn Reed welcomed their daughter, Coen James "Coco" Reed, into the world five weeks early. Their joy was short-lived when Joslyn experienced complications that quickly became life-threatening. She suffered an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare and severe birth complication that triggered a cascade of medical crises. Doctors fought tirelessly to save her, performing multiple surgeries as they worked to stop her bleeding. Despite every effort, Joslyn tragically passed away on August 6, 2022, at the age of 38, leaving behind her husband Ian, their newborn daughter Coco, and big sister, Zoey.
As Ian and his family grieved the unimaginable loss of Joslyn, Coco began her own fight for survival. Born prematurely, she spent 18 days in the NICU at Lurie Children’s Hospital where she required specialized interventions for a pneumothorax, including a chest tube and intubation for mechanical ventilation. From the moment she was born, she was surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses who ensured she had the best possible start despite arriving earlier than expected.
Coco’s journey is a powerful reminder of how critical NICU care is for premature babies and why organizations like March of Dimes are vital in ensuring that every baby has a fighting chance. They are sharing their story to honor Joslyn’s legacy and to advocate for better maternal and infant health. Their journey is one of profound loss but also of resilience and hope—a reminder that every mother and baby deserves access to life-saving medical care and support. Through their advocacy, Ian and his daughters hope to raise awareness about the urgent need for improved maternal health care, ensuring that fewer families face the heartbreak they have endured and that more babies, like Coco, have the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in raising awareness for Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE). By supporting the Reed family, you are helping to fund the research and advocacy needed to identify the warning signs of AFE and prevent other families from experiencing this sudden and devastating loss.
Join us: 2026 Chicago March for Babies – Sunday, April 26th, 2026 Location: 400 W. Montrose Harbor Drive, Chicago, IL 60640 Support the Mission: Share the "Team Sunflower Squad" page to help us reach our goal! https://marchforbabies.org/team/SunflowerSquad
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.
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