Abigail Beard

Bringing a child into the world is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in a parent’s life. But for families of premature babies, that joy is quickly taken over by fear, uncertainty, and a fight for survival. We know this firsthand. My husband and I spent five months in the NICU with our twins, watching them battle for every breath, every ounce of growth, every milestone. My daughter struggled to breathe and grow, and we almost lost her. My son suffered a brain bleed. The experience changed our lives forever.

But we were not alone. March of Dimes was there and not just for us, but for countless families like ours. Their research, advocacy, and support programs provide hope and tangible help for parents facing the unthinkable. They fund research into premature birth, ensuring more babies have a fighting chance. They advocate for policies that support maternal and infant health. They offer resources and education so that parents can navigate the NICU journey with knowledge and support.

The twins are home now, but I will never forget the road that got us here. I know that without the work of organizations like March of Dimes, our story could have ended differently. That’s why I support March of Dimes. Because every baby deserves a chance to survive and thrive. And because no parent should have to face this journey alone. Your support can change lives. It certainly changed ours.