The Shaver family had a micro-preemie, Elodie, born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb., 7.5 oz. After 123 days, Lea and David took Elodie home, leaving behind the beeping monitors and sterile hospital corridors once and for all. “The nurses and doctors lined in the hallway and did a graduation parade for her,” Lea shares. “And it was one of the happiest moments I've ever had.”

Today, Lea and David share their story not only to celebrate Elodie's miraculous journey but also to shed light on the work March of Dimes does. “I know it’s just a matter of time before March of Dimes scientists uncover the causes of preterm birth, both early preterm birth like mine and later term preterm birth, around which there are even more questions,” Lea says—now spending much of her free time collecting donations, advocating for change, and raising awareness about the maternal and infant health crisis.

Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm and many end up in the NICU. Your support helps us fund research to determine the causes and preventions of preterm birth and continue providing support for families like the Shavers during their NICU stay.

Though the cause of Elodie’s preterm birth remains unknown, Lea is hopeful that March of Dimes research can help more moms have full-term pregnancies—and answers if they don’t. She adds: “I want the same opportunities for every single mom and baby in America, and I think with the work of March of Dimes, we can get there. I know we can.”

For more than 20 years, March of Dimes has offered support and education to families with a baby in the NICU and as they transition home. This #NICUAwarenessMonth, learn more at www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/nicu

#nicu #nicuawareness #nicuawarenessmonth #nicumom #nicudad #nicuparents #nicugrandparents #nicubaby #pretermbirth #preemie #preemiebaby