After over 2 weeks in intensive care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Special Care Nursery due to being born prematurely in 2006, Jacob is now a 19 year-old college freshman at Saint John's, a NCAA athlete in baseball, and a supportive older brother to Lucas, who is 14 years old (born without complication at 39 weeks thanks to many of the efforts and initiatives of the March of Dimes). While Jacob's story has been mostly positive to-date, babies born at his stage (33 weeks) and before often face significant, ongoing health issues and much longer durations in the NICU.
Please support our family, Kelly, Jacob, Lucas, and me, as we participate once again in the March for Babies. This year's event will be held on Sunday, May 17th.
Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely (about 1 out of about every 9 births). Like Jacob, many are born early unexpectedly after completely healthy, uneventful, and careful pregnancies. This issue certainly can affect anyone. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. As a Chicago Board Member for the March of Dimes, I know the funds we raise in the March for Babies support research that saves babies' lives.
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!
Thank you to our local sponsors
