These Inspiring Family Stories Are 6 Reasons You Should Support March Of Dimes

Macy’s and March of Dimes believe that all moms and babies — regardless age, race, geography, income, or socioeconomic background — deserve the best possible start and healthiest beginnings.

March of Dimes believes that every mom and baby deserves the best possible start. In reality, two babies die every hour in the US and about every 12 hours, a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. From advocacy to education to research, March of Dimes is working to close the health equity gap so that all moms and babies are healthy and strong. Here are some personal stories from families March of Dimes has helped.

1. The Diaz Family

After the passing of their son Aaden from a rare birth defect, the Diaz family found a community that understood their loss among families who had been though similar experiences. Jocelyn, Aaden's mother, even went on to work for March of Dimes for several years.

2. The Burr Family

Cynthia Burr was just 25 weeks pregnant with her son Jayden when complications arose, forcing an emergency C-section. After a lengthy recovery for Cynthia and years of health concerns for Jayden, the Burr family organized their own March for Babies team and Cynthia went on to have two healthy, full-term pregnancies.

3. The Murillo Family

Teresa Murillo gave birth to her daughter, Ailey Rose, 14 weeks early. She was the smallest surviving baby in the country at that time, weighing just 9.5 ounces. March of Dimes helped the Murillos navigate the journey of neonatal intensive care.

4. The Little Family

Joanna Little was born preterm herself and first encountered March of Dimes when her mother collected money for the organization when she was a child. Joanna later became a NICU nurse, providing critical care for newborns. When her two children were born preterm, she knew she could turn to March of Dimes for support.

5. The Jolly Family

April Jolly had already lost three pregnancies and was scared to learn she was pregnant again in 2012. She gave birth to her son, Preston, at 29 weeks. Her two daughters, Sheridan and Sloane, were born at 31 and 33 weeks. All of the Jolly children faced health complications, but thanks to March of Dimes, April and her children received the neonatal intensive care they needed.

6. The Ataya Family

Nadera Ataya was having a healthy pregnancy until doctors could no longer detect a heartbeat during an ultrasound at 37 weeks. In the midst of her grief and postpartum depressions, the Ataya family connected with March of Dimes. The Atayas are marking their 11th year of honoring their daughter Mya by participating in March for Babies.

Macy's has helped March of Dimes fight for healthy moms and babies for 20 years. Through this partnership, they've reached millions of families and raised $30 million. Join the fight by donating to March of Dimes at Macys.com.

Images via Macy's.