I was born 9 weeks premature, weighing just 3 pounds 3 ounces. My early days were a battle—relying on ventilators, feeding tubes, and life-saving treatments to survive. Several key medical advancements that helped me pull through were developed through March of Dimes-funded research.
During my mother’s pregnancy, she developed severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition that sent her organs into failure. Her liver began shutting down, her lungs filled with fluid, and her blood pressure skyrocketed. Doctors had to make a choice—deliver me early or risk losing both of us.
At just 30 weeks, I entered the world, fragile and fighting. My lungs weren’t ready to breathe on their own, so I was placed on a ventilator and given surfactant therapy—a treatment developed with March of Dimes funding to help premature babies survive.
But that wasn’t the only challenge I faced. My tiny heart had a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)—a fetal blood vessel that failed to close after birth. Without treatment, it could have led to heart failure. Fortunately, I was given Indomethacin (Indocin), a medication developed with support from March of Dimes-funded research. It worked, and my heart healed—without surgery.
Because of these medical breakthroughs, I survived.
Now, over 22 years later, I am honored to serve on the March of Dimes Young Professionals Board and walk in the March for Babies to give other families the same chance I had.
The March of Dimes made my survival possible. Their research led to the treatments that kept my lungs breathing and my heart beating. Their advocacy ensures that mothers like mine receive the best possible care. And their mission continues today, fighting for babies born too soon, too small, and too sick.
Every step I take is for babies like me, for mothers like mine, and for the families who need hope. Your donation funds critical research, supports NICU families, and helps ensure that every baby has a fighting chance.
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!
