Ben Connors

In November, I’ll be running the New York City Marathon as part of the March of Dimes team—and I’m running for a cause that is deeply personal to me.

In late 2016, my wife, Zoë, and I were thrilled to learn we were expecting twins. But at just 29 weeks, due to serious pregnancy complications, Alexander and Emilia arrived 11 weeks early. They weighed only 2 lbs. 4 oz. and 2 lbs. 12 oz., and they spent more than two months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees, NJ.

Those first days and weeks were filled with uncertainty, countless tests, and round-the-clock care from the exceptional doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the dedicated nurses and staff at Virtua. After 65 days, Alex came home, and Emmy followed 6 days later.

Today, they’re healthy, happy, and thriving—two incredible 8-year-olds who love sports, being creative and overall hilarious children. Zoë and I know how fortunate we are. But millions of families don’t share the same outcome.

In the U.S., two babies die every hour, and two women die every day from pregnancy complications. The March of Dimes is leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies through research, advocacy, and programs that give every family the best possible start.

I started running to eat ice cream but this November I’m running 26.2 miles to raise funds so more families can have the same happy ending we did. Every donation—big or small—helps save lives and supports families in their most difficult moments.

Please consider making a donation today to help me reach my goal and to give hope to moms, dads, and babies everywhere. Together, we can make a difference—one step, one mile, and one family at a time.