Shikaya L

On August 2, 2022, my good friends Ian and Joslyn Reed welcomed their daughter, Coen James "Coco" Reed, into the world five weeks early. Their joy was short-lived when Joslyn experienced complications that quickly became life-threatening. She suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and severe birth complication that triggered a cascade of medical crises. Doctors fought tirelessly to save her, performing multiple surgeries as they worked to stop her bleeding. Despite every effort, Joslyn tragically passed away on August 6, 2022, at the age of 38, leaving behind her husband Ian, their newborn daughter Coco, and big sister, Zoey.

As Ian and his family grieved the unimaginable loss of Joslyn, Coco began her own fight for survival. Born prematurely, she spent 18 days in the NICU at Lurie Children’s Hospital where she required specialized interventions for a pneumothorax, including a chest tube and intubation for mechanical ventilation. From the moment she was born, she was surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses who ensured she had the best possible start despite arriving earlier than expected. 

Coco’s journey is a powerful reminder of how critical NICU care is for premature babies and why organizations like March of Dimes are vital in ensuring that every baby has a fighting chance. Now, Ian and his daughters, Coco and Zoey, are stepping forward as the 2025 Chicago March for Babies Ambassador Family. They are sharing their story to honor Joslyn’s legacy and to advocate for better maternal and infant health. Their journey is one of profound loss but also of resilience and hope—a reminder that every mother and baby deserves access to life-saving medical care and support. Through their advocacy, Ian and his daughters hope to raise awareness about the urgent need for improved maternal health care, ensuring that fewer families face the heartbreak they have endured and that more babies, like Coco, have the opportunity to thrive.

We are part of the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we’re committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. And you can help us!

Please consider making a donation for mothers like Joslyn, babies like Coco, and families like Ian's. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.