Hi, I am Dari'Anna Latimore, the proud daughter of Damion and La'Tonya (Toni) Latimore. My journey began at 31 weeks when I was born weighing just 3 lbs. 6 oz. In the initial days of my life, my weight dropped below 3 pounds. During my four-week stay at the hospital, I faced numerous health challenges, including jaundice, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Sleep Apnea. My caregivers, including my parents, even had to take an Infant CPR class before they could bring me home.
Two days before my scheduled release, I was unable to eat, and tests revealed that my blood count was critically low, necessitating a blood transfusion. Finally, I was able to go home at 4 lbs. 11 oz., but I had to wear a Sleep Apnea monitor that would alert my parents whenever I stopped breathing. Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with a severe case of GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease). The first three years of my life included multiple hospitalizations due to complications that can pose life-threatening risks to premature babies. With dedicated medical care and follow-up treatments, I overcame these challenges.
Today, I am a thriving 19-year-old college student who has overcome significant medical hardships. Unfortunately, many other babies are not as fortunate. My god sister lost her daughter due to complications from premature birth and birth defects, including being born without a functioning airway and with just one eye. Another cousin struggles with complications that make carrying a pregnancy to term difficult. These stories, and countless others, highlight the urgent need for continued research and support.
I am one of the many success stories that demonstrate how March of Dimes' efforts save lives. However, the fight is far from over. Each year, more than 460,000 babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Tragically, some of them do not survive, while others face lifelong health issues. Currently, in the U.S., 1 in every 8 babies is born prematurely.
The funds raised at March for Babies support critical research and education initiatives aimed at saving these precious lives. We invite you to join our family and the millions of others who support this cause. Whether you walk with us or offer your sponsorship, you play a vital role in making a difference.
Thank you for considering joining our team again this year. Together, we can bring hope to families in need and work towards a future where every baby gets a healthy start.
Warm regards,
Dari'Anna Latimore
P.S. Join us in supporting March for Babies and help make a difference for premature babies everywhere. https://www.marchforbabies.org/ToniLatimore
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
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