2010 National Ambassador TV Appearances

Joshua Hoffman of Weston, Fla., was born so early and with so many underdeveloped organs that doctors could not say whether he would survive — or if he would ever walk, talk, see or hear. Today, the 6-year-old is the March of Dimes 2010 National Ambassador.

Joshuas mom, Melanie Hoffman, recalls, My first minutes of motherhood and I was completely devastated. My husband, Lee, and I couldnt be more terrified, and I was positive that after just 24 hours I had no more tears left. Joshua was born more than 4 months too soon, weighing 1 pound, 11 ounces.

The Hoffman family credits the research and treatments funded by the March of Dimes with helping Joshua overcome his premature birth. He spent 3½ months in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) at Baptist Hospital in Miami, Fla., and had many surgeries and treatments, including heart surgery, laser eye surgery and blood transfusions.

As national ambassador, Joshua and his family are helping to raise awareness that premature birth is a common problem with serious health consequences. November is Prematurity Awareness Month®, and the family is urging everyone to visit marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies to help raise awareness and support research into the causes of premature birth.

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