Participating in this year’s March for Babies is deeply personal to me — it’s rooted in gratitude, hope, and the desire to make a lasting difference. As a woman who prays to one day experience a healthy, successful pregnancy — and as the President of the North Carolina Young Professionals Board — I know firsthand how this mission impacts families today and the lives of tomorrow.
More than 30 years ago, I was born far too soon — at just 28 weeks and weighing only 1 pound and 14 ounces. I spent months in the NICU, fighting for every breath and every ounce gained. By the grace of God and the lifesaving advances supported by organizations like March of Dimes, I was given more than survival — I was given the chance to grow and have a healthy and thriving life. My story is proof of what happens when research, compassionate care, and community support come together: hope becomes reality.
Yet too many families still face the fear and uncertainty of premature birth. Across the United States, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm, affecting hundreds of thousands of families each year. These numbers represent real parents navigating fear, exhaustion, and the fight for healthier beginnings.
That’s why this walk matters. It’s about transforming outcomes, strengthening care and support for families, and investing in a future where every mother and baby has the chance to thrive. I walk with gratitude for my story, compassion for families facing this journey now, and faith in what we can accomplish together.
When you support March for Babies, you are supporting both healthier starts for moms and babies. Your gift helps fund lifesaving research, expand access to prenatal and NICU care, educate families and providers, and advocate for policies that protect moms, babies, and families nationwide. Every dollar is a step toward stronger beginnings, healthier futures, and communities where families feel supported.
Thank you for standing with me in this mission. Together, we are creating ripple effects that extend far beyond this moment — empowering families, protecting futures, and building a world where every baby has the chance to thrive.
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!
