Katy Gaffney

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. I'm walking in March for Babies because I want to do something about this. And I need your help. Our family was faced with a premature baby not once, but twice. Our son was born 3 months early weighing just 2lbs 7oz. Our NICU journey was long and fraught with emotional highs and lows. Thanks to our NICU team coupled with the support and research from the March of Dimes, he is now a healthy 15-year-old who is not only right on track with his peers, but ahead in many areas. Our now 11-year-old daughter was born 4 weeks premature after almost 2 months of complete bedrest for me. Although she skipped the NICU, our life and her health was still impacted. Their progress and health as regular, active kids would not have been possible without the medical advances and knowledge brought to our NICU and beyond with the help from March of Dimes. March of Dimes also offers a program called NICU Family Support that is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. The NFS Program provides information, emotional support, and practical resources to families with babies in neonatal intensive care units. The program helps parents understand their baby’s medical care, cope with stress, and prepare for life after discharge. It also collaborates with NICU staff to improve family-centered care and support better outcomes for babies. Overall, the program aims to strengthen families during a difficult and uncertain time.