Josh’s speech, Premature Birth is a Common Problem with Serious Health Consequences, is a topic he knows all too well. Born 4 months early and weighing only 1 lb., 11 oz., Josh had so many underdeveloped organs that doctors could not say whether he would survive – or if he would ever walk, talk, see or hear. He spent 3-1/2 months in the NICU where he underwent heart surgery, laser eye surgery and blood transfusions. He spent years afterwards working with occupational, speech and vision therapists who helped him to thrive. Today, not even a visual impairment with blindness in his right eye can slow Josh down. He loves playing basketball and giving speeches about the March of Dimes.

“Josh’s story illustrates how important developmental therapists are in the treatment of the premature infant,” said Bill Thompson, a board member of the March of Dimes and general manager of Philips Children’s Medical Ventures. “Clinical practices that enhance developmental outcomes can produce lasting benefits and can provide the fragile, at-risk infant with a head start toward a healthy life."

The Hoffman family credits the research and treatments funded by the March of Dimes with helping Joshua survive his premature birth. That is why they began volunteering and fundraising for the March of Dimes, raising $70,000 in just 3 years. As the 2010 National Ambassador, Josh travels the country thanks to Continental Airlines, the official airline sponsor of the March of Dimes National Ambassador Program, to share his inspiring story and encourage families and companies to join him in making sure all babies get a healthy start in life.

Despite recent small declines in the nation’s preterm birth rate, premature birth is still the leading cause of infant death in the United States, and babies who survive often face serious lifelong health problems.  More than half a million babies are born too soon each year, and preterm births cost the nation more than $26 billion annually. Babies who survive an early birth often face lifelong health challenges, including cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and other chronic conditions.

Pittsburgh-based Philips Children’s Medical Ventures, through its holistic approach to caring for every baby as a special person, offers solutions and services to support at-risk infants and their families throughout the NICU experience.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.