Susan Bard

This Mother's Day weekend, we're walking to celebrate our daughter Isabelle — and every family who knows the particular love and fear of a NICU journey.

Izzy was born on April 19, 2018, at just 26 weeks and 3 days, weighing 1 lb 15 oz and measuring 13.5 inches long. She spent 86 remarkable days in the Brigham and Women's NICU before coming home on July 14th weighing 6 lb 5 oz — breathing on her own, eating on her own, and ready to take on the world.

Eight years ago, this life felt unimaginable. Today, Izzy is finishing 2nd grade and absolutely thriving — funny, a lover of books, a devoted friend and cousin, and a busy kid with no shortage of activities and sports to keep her going.

We walk to celebrate Izzy, to honor the many children and families whose stories began with unexpected challenges, and to say thank you to the incredible team at Brigham and Women's who helped make this life possible.

Your support means the world to us. Thank you so much for your generosity. 💛

I participate to help all moms and families experience the joy of a healthy baby. With nearly 4 million babies born each year, we have a lot of work to do to help them all. The funds I raise enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. If you believe, like I do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me or make a donation to support this community effort. Together we can fight for the health of all moms and babies.