Matt and Emily Mellen’s daughter Sadie was born 9 weeks early in 2004, after Emily developed preeclampsia. Sadie weighed 4lbs, 1oz when she was born in June of 2004, but stayed in the NICU for over 1 month. She is now a happy 5 year old.

“The March of Dimes has been close to our hearts  ever since the day Sadie was born.  They provided much knowledge we  needed as a result in having our first  born in the hospital for 25 days.  I want to give that information to others and pass on our experience to other families so they can be optimistic about their NICU stay.  I feel our family and friends are a great example to other families that the setback of having a preemie does not have to be negative but can turn into a very bittersweet experience.” Said Matt and Emily Mellen.

 “Our heart and dedication to the March of Dimes will continue forever.  We feel that the March of Dimes will continue to educate women about the importance of prenatal care, their pregnancy as well as the aftermath of having children.  Their work shows much dedication and we sincerely believe in  their mission.  We are so grateful to the March of Dimes, their education and their cause that we will continue to devote our time and money to their wonderful mission.  Our family and friends are now active in donating to a cause that is close to our heart and we are forever grateful to the work  of a wonderful hospital staff and well as the education from the March of Dimes.  We want the  mission of the MOD to continue to bless other families and plan on being active in helping to make their future stories as successful and positive as ours.”

The DaSilva Family of Dover Plains, NY (Quassy March for Babies)

Alvaro Da Silva was born September 12th of 2006, 7 weeks premature, to Bruno and Veronica Da Silva, at 4 lbs 5 oz. Veronica’s water broke early, and she was rushed to the hospital for an emergency C-Section.

“It was very scary at first, but the doctors and nurses were very supportive” recalls Veronica. “Having a premature baby is a trying experience.  We want to make sure that other families are aware of the support available from the March of Dimes.  The information on the March of Dimes website helped me through the weeks of Edward's hospitalization and the months of nurturing him to a normal weight.   Edward is an amazing 3 year old because of the research supported by the March of Dimes, and we have supported the organization since his birth.

“20 years ago a baby like Edward would have had a very small chance of survival, but the research funded by the March of Dimes has led to amazing treatments and procedures that made his survival normal.   Given another 20 years,the March of Dimes may  end premature births.”

The Lopa Family of Newington (Central CT March for Babies)

Mark & Kerri Lopa’s twins, Sam and Amelia, were born 6 weeks early back in January of 2007, after it was determined that Sam had a bladder deformity and was showing signs of distress in the womb. After two days in the NICU, it was determined that Sam’s problems were very serious and he would need surgery.

“We weren’t out of the woods yet,” recalled Kerri Lopa, “Sam developed a urinary tract infection. Sam was very ill and we were very scared we were going to lose him. Luckily our little fighter pulled through.” Amelia spent 10 days in the NICU and another two weeks in the newborn nursery. Sam spent 5 weeks 1 day in the NICU. He came home even before he was supposed to be born!

Kerri explains, “Although Sam still has medical issues and is speech delayed, he is now the happiest and most active three year old you have ever met. Amelia is a sweet, sassy, smart three year old that loves to sing, dance and wants to be Taylor Swift. Both have stayed on the small side of the growth charts but good things come in small packages!”

The Norman Family of Middletown (Greater Hartford March for Babies)

On April 3, 2007, Michael and Matthew Norman were born to Jennifer and Michael, without warning at 25 weeks gestation.  Michael Jr. weighed 1 pound 11 ounces and Matthew weighed only 1 pound 8 ounces.   The boys faced many challenges in their early days of life, as many preemies do.  They both stayed in the hospital for 3 ˝ months, going home right around their due date in mid July. 

“This was a very difficult time for the family, trying to spend as much time as possible at the hospital, but also wanting to be home for Sydney who was only 2 at the time.” said Jennifer Norman.  “They were both unable to breathe on their own initially, they were supported by ventilators. They both had “brain bleeds”, Michael more severe than Matthew, Matthew needed surgery in the NICU to repair a hernia, and Michael had eye surgery at 1 ˝. The NICU stay was basically a roller coaster ride, which is what everyone tells you to prepare for.”

Now 3, the boys not only amaze their parents on a daily basis, they tend to amaze anyone who knows their history.  They are doing incredibly well, and are very active, and starting to be very vocal boys.  James is also doing great; he has already doubled his birth weight and loves watching his older siblings play!