March for Babies Chicago hosts annual walk to raise funds, preterm birth awareness

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's hard to believe that the United States is among the most dangerous developed nations for preterm childbirth.

March for Babies is working to raise critical funds and awareness to address this serious issue.

"I think it's knowing that you are never alone, that there are others who have gone through a similar journey," said Ashley Thies, March of Dimes senior executive director.

March of Dimes' annual "March for Babies" united families from across Chicagoland at Montrose Harbor Sunday to shed light on the physical, emotional and financial struggles of premature deliveries.

"The funds from March of Dimes goes to support education efforts, to support premies," Adrienne Davis with Top Teens of America said.

See also: March for Babies 2022 aims to raise critical funds for families after preterm birth complications

"This is a day that we celebrate Kayla, and remember Dylan, who is in heaven," March for Babies participant Jenny Kernan said.

Kayla Kernan was born 15 weeks early, 17 years ago, along with her brother Dylan, who sadly died after just seven weeks.

"[Kayla] is our miracle," March for Babies participant Patrick Kernan said. "Unfortunately, we lost Dylan due to prematurity, and we support March of Dimes because March of Dimes is one of the biggest reasons we have her with us today."

For the Kernan Family, the day of the annual walk is filled with mixed emotions.

"It's really nice to know you're not alone, and that it's not just you," Kayla said. "It's nice to find a community you can lean back on and have support in."

Organizers of the march said it's encouraging to see families support one another at this annual walk. Over $350,000 was raised last year.

Experts said maternal deaths increase when women have less access to quality healthcare, especially around the time of delivery.

Illinois received a "D+" rating from the March of Dimes' latest report card, which measures the state of maternal and infant health.

According to that same report card, minority communities are affected the hardest.

"Black women in Chicago are 54 percent more likely to have a preterm birth," Thies said. "That's staggering and it's unacceptable."

The movement is hopefully one step closer to a better future for women and infants.

"We also think about those other angels up in heaven that are gone," Jenny Kernan said.