This story was submitted by Jenna Germano, a very active member of the March of Dimes Family Teams Volunteer Group, who knows first hand the importance of our mission to help save babies.

"Before my son, Elliott, was born, I knew very little about the March of Dimes. Elliott was born via emergency C-section at 28 weeks and spent seven weeks in the Women and Infants Hospital NICU, (neonatal intensive care unit). It was during this time that I learned first-hand how March of Dimes programs and research help save and better our children's lives. As a new "NICU family" we were grateful for the March of Dimes welcome bag that contained important material explaining what was going on (which was REALLY confusing!). The booklets explained medical terms, procedures and how to provide the best care possible for my baby.The welcome bag was provided through the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program, which also conducted classes on how to care for our son while in the hospital and a camera to capture his early moments. These are things you don't have a chance to think about when you are brought into an operating room with little or no notice. We were so happy to have this support during such a difficult time in our lives.

March of Dimes medical advances, which are made possible through research and support funded by your donations, help babies in the NICU get stronger and survive when they may not have even a few years ago.

After losing my first baby, who was born at 24 weeks gestation, I feel indebted to the March of Dimes for helping ensure that I was able to bring my son home with me. Elliott is now a happy and healthy 2 year old. I can't imagine what my life without him."

The March of Dimes thanks Jenna for sharing her story and for supporting our mission! If you would like to share your experience, please email Melissa Caldwell, Family Teams Specialist.