Monica Petrone

As this year’s March for Babies Ambassador Family, we share our story in honor of our son, Scout, and the many families whose journeys don’t go as planned. 

What began as a routine appointment quickly turned frightening when my blood pressure was high and baby wasn’t showing his usual movement. After additional monitoring and an ultrasound, we were admitted to the OBGYN emergency room and later labor and delivery overnight and told that if things didn’t improve, we would need to deliver early.

The next morning, at just 33 weeks 1 day gestation, Scout was born via emergency C-section. He was 4 pounds, 8 ounces of pure resiliency. Hearing his cry was both overwhelming and relieving, but because he arrived so early, our journey was far from over.

Scout was immediately admitted to the NICU, where he would continue to grow and get stronger. He relied on a feeding tube while he learned how to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing. He had to learn how to regulate his body temperature on his own and maintain his weight. We celebrated every ounce gained, every successfully finished bottle, and every small milestone that many parents take for granted. Those days were filled with learning to care for Scout surrounded by wires, monitors, and a crash course in patience and perspective. The NICU became a place of both uncertainty and incredible hope, but most of all, support.

After 20 days of growing stronger, Scout was finally discharged and headed home. He wasted no time jumping into football season in the Petrone household. Our tiny NICU grad attended every Vanderbilt Football home game this year, cheering on his Dad and quickly becoming the ultimate good-luck charm for the Dores, who went undefeated at home.

It’s with great honor that we've been chosen to be the 2026 March of Dimes Ambassador Family for the 2026 Fundraising Campaign. This year, we walk for Scout and for the 1 in 10 babies born premature. We walk in gratitude for the care that carried us through and in hope for healthier pregnancies and stronger beginnings for every family. Scout is our little fighter, our greatest love, and our reason to march. 

Thanks to dedicated doctors, nurses and the support of our village, we never felt alone. Organizations like March of Dimes fund critical research, education, and advocacy to support families like ours and to improve outcomes for babies born too soon.