I joined this movement to create real, lasting change for moms and babies everywhere — especially those most at risk. My commitment isn’t abstract. It’s personal. It’s rooted in my own journey through loss, preterm birth, NICU life, and postpartum depression.
On July 12, 2015, I delivered my daughter, Kiara, far too early. Losing her was the most heartbreaking moment of my life. It reshaped me. It taught me how fragile pregnancy can be and how urgently families need support, research, and compassionate care.
Not long after, I faced another high‑risk pregnancy. My son arrived at 29 weeks, tiny and fighting for his life. He spent a month and a half in the NICU, surrounded by monitors, tubes, and prayers. Those weeks taught me what it means to advocate fiercely for your baby when they cannot advocate for themselves.
My third pregnancy finally brought me a full‑term baby — but it also brought postpartum depression, a battle that too many women face in silence. Even then, I had to advocate for my own mental health and well‑being so I could show up for my children.
Across all three pregnancies, one thing remained constant: I prayed. I advocated. I fought for my babies and for myself.
That’s why March of Dimes is essential to me.
Preterm birth and maternal health complications continue to rise — especially in communities that are already vulnerable. Every family deserves the best possible start, and every mom deserves to survive pregnancy and postpartum with dignity, support, and care.
I walk for Kiara. I walk for my son, Elijah who is a NICU warrior. I walk for my full‑term baby, Isaiah, who needed me to fight for my mental health. I walk for every parent who has held their breath in a NICU or cried in silence after a loss. I walk because healthy moms and strong babies should be the norm — not the exception.
I’m committed to raising funds so that more families get the support, research, and resources they need. But I can’t do it alone.
Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together, we can be part of a movement that makes America a more equitable place — one where every mom and every baby has a fighting chance.
Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
https://www.marchforbabies.org/qbyars
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!
