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Why Support the March of Dimes?
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| For 65 years, the March of Dimes has depended on the generosity of people like you to carry out its mission of preventing infant mortality and birth defects. Volunteers are the driving force behind the foundation, giving generously of their time and talent to serve in a variety of ways.
Here are just a few ways you can get involved:
- Take part in community programs in New Hampshire that are sponsored by the March of Dimes
- Participate in public affairs efforts related to maternal, infant and child health issues in New Hampshire and/or the country
- Help with phone calls, mailings or clerical tasks in the March of Dimes office
- Help at local events such as March for Babies
The NH Chapter of the March of Dimes has an immediate need for volunteers to assist in the office with mailings, phone calls, and general office duties. Must have knowledge of MS Office (Word and Excel) and good customer service skills.
If you are interested in volunteering with the March of Dimes, please e-mail us or call us at (603) 228-0317.
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| Several clubs and organizations partner with the March of Dimes to help further our mission. These groups participate in fundraising events and program activities that reach out to the community. Sponsorship of March of Dimes events and programs promotes a positive corporate image, which supports marketing and sales goals. When you partner with the March of Dimes, you’re associating your name/product with an organization whose reputation, history and accomplishments stand-alone.
If you are interested in partnering with the March of Dimes, please e-mail us or call us at (603) 228-0317.
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| Funds for March of Dimes research, education, advocacy and community programs are generated through fundraising events. Participants purchase tickets to dinners, awards programs or solicit donations from friends and associates for events like WalkAmerica, Ride, and Star Chefs.
If you are interested in attending a March of Dimes fundraising event, please e-mail us or call us at (603) 228-0317.
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| Special Ambassadors in New Hampshire are children who have benefited from March of Dimes research or programs. They play a vital role in spreading the word about the March of Dimes, our accomplishments and the work yet to be done. Ambassador families share their stories at various March of Dimes functions.
If you are interested in the March of Dimes Ambassador Program, please e-mail us or call us at (603) 228-0317.
Liam's Story -
Our son Liam was born unexpectedly on February 24, 2007 at 24 weeks. He weighed 1 lb 7 oz and was 12 ¼ inches long. He received surfactant for his lungs. Surfactant is a natural occurring substance that allows the air sacs in the lungs to stay open. This usually develops in the last month of a full term pregnancy. Babies born premature do not have this so, the March of Dimes funded the research that lead to the development for the surfactant that Liam received. Surfactant is life saving to these little ones. Three days after Liam was born, he had complications and was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Boston.
The first time I was able to hold my son was on April 1, he was two and a half months old. As a mother it was very hard not to be able to hold your own child. There were days he was so sensitive we could not even touch him. To know that the touch of your hand actually gave him discomfort was heartbreaking. Thankfully those days went by and I was able to do Kangaroo Care which is skin on skin contact. They would tuck little Liam into the top of my shirt and we would sit there for hours. It felt so good to finally feel my son in my arms. The NICU is a rollercoaster ride. One day is good and things are moving in the right direction and the next you are being told he is not well and he takes a few steps back. You never get to feel stable or feel like you have a true feeling for how things are. You never know what a day is going to bring.
He returned back to the Elliot Hospital in May still on the ventilator and was still a ways away from coming home. On day 80 he was taken off the ventilator and put on just oxygen. We had never felt such happiness. We were finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The very next day I received a call that Liam would need to be transferred back to Boston because of new complications. I was devastated, however Liam pulled through his surgery like a champ.
Finally after 5 ½ months, four surgeries, many close calls and many more tears, Liam came home on July 11, 2007. As parents, all we wanted was to take our little baby home however, leaving was the hardest part. You get used to having doctors and nurses watching him 24 hours a day. Now you go home and it is up to you. At the same time, you are filled with such happiness. After months of waiting you get to bring your baby home for the first time.
Due to the March of Dimes research and development into premature births and birth defects, our son has a chance to live a happy, healthy normal life. Had he not received the surfactant for his lungs, I am afraid Liam’s story would not have had such a happy ending. Many babies have survived thanks to the March of Dimes and the developments that they have provided.
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Donating is easy online, by phone or mail / fax.
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