Chances are you know a family who has benefited from the extraordinary work of the March of Dimes. The organization researches and solves problems that threaten the health of babies.

Since 1994, Publix has partnered with the March of Dimes through a campaign supported by our customers and associates. Join these Publix families — and hundreds of others — as we raise awareness for the March of Dimes’ mission and funds for healthy pregnancies and full-term babies.

Skyla and Kyla Jackson, 2 years
Daughters of Produce Clerk Crystal Tarver, #1056, Atlanta

Skyla and Kyla were born at 29 weeks. After staying in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for more than two months, they were released to go home. The March of Dimes provided the girls with medical and therapy equipment as well as medical care. Today, Skyla and Kyla are making steady progress — they are walking, talking and comprehending at their age level.

“My daughters wouldn’t have survived without the help and support we received from the March of Dimes,” Crystal said.

Nicholas Mathews, 4 years
Son of Assistant Deli Manager Mark Mathews, #829, Columbia, S.C.

When Nick was born at 24 weeks, doctors gave him a 25 percent chance of survival. Because his lungs were underdeveloped, Nick received a surfactant developed through research funded by the March of Dimes. However, complications from surgery at eight days old set him back. But Nick is a fighter, and he continues to improve every day. Today, he can sit up for a short time, mimic his parents and communicate through sounds and pointing.

“The March of Dimes saved my son’s life, and I can’t thank them enough,” Mark said.

Stella Shuford, 1 year
Daughter of Assistant Pharmacy Manager Kelly Shuford, #99, St. Augustine, Fla.

Stella was born three months early. She spent the first 117 days of her life in the NICU, faced with challenges including holes in her heart, brain bleeds, a severe staph infection, two leg surgeries and feeding difficulties. Today, she enjoys feeding herself, splashing in the bath, and smiling at her big sister, and the March of Dimes’ effect on Stella’s life is immeasurable.

“Thanks to countless specialists and therapy — funded in part by the March of Dimes — Stella’s development is steadily progressing,” Kelly said.

Juliet and Jackson Gray, 1 ½ years
Granddaughter and grandson of Bakery Clerk Jim Gray, #1088, Tampa, Fla.

Because they were born six weeks early, Juliet and Jackson spent time in the NICU. Juliet was released after eight days; at 10 months old, she was diagnosed with vision problems and had corrective surgery. Jackson stayed for 26 days due to underdeveloped lungs, and he wore a heart and lung monitor until he was six months old. Today, the twins are happy, healthy toddlers who are meeting their developmental milestones.

“We can’t thank the March of Dimes’ volunteers enough for their support and information when the twins were born,” said Jim.

Jordan and Jizelle Griffin, 2 years
Son and daughter of Cashier Lynette Griffin, #1157, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Lynette’s water initially broke at 19 weeks, and doctors said bed rest was the only way to save her pregnancy. At 25 weeks, Jordan and Jizelle were born by C-section, and they stayed several months in the NICU. Although they still experience effects from their prematurity — Jordan has chronic asthma, and Jizelle underwent an early heart surgery and has a tracheostomy — it doesn’t stop these active toddlers.

“We were comforted knowing the doctors had benefited from research funded by the March of Dimes,” Lynette said.

Olivia and Amelia Bean, 3 months
Daughters of Manufacturing Production Planning Manager Roland Bean

When Olivia and Amelia were born at 30 weeks, they were rushed to the NICU and hooked up to ventilators. Four weeks later, Amelia developed a severe intestinal infection and was rushed to a different hospital for treatment. After seven weeks in the hospital, both girls came home on the same day. Olivia and Amelia continue to be monitored by specialists, but they are growing and developing as expected.

“The March of Dimes’ research and treatment helped the girls, and they even offered programs to help our son prepare to meet his sisters,” Roland said.

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Pictured here:Skyla, Kyla, Nicholas, Stella, Juliet, Jackson, Jordan, Jizelle, Olivia and Amelia