Melanie Terrell’s name was drawn as July’s $500 charity donation winner during Summer of Service. She chose March of Dimes as the donation recipient and has a very personal story she shared with us.

“In all the years that I volunteered with the March of Dimes (1989-1994), I knew I was doing something good. I mean think about it, this is where it all starts. If we can stop the birth defects before the babies are born, we would have a lot less babies living short lives. This has been close to my heart for many years, way before I even thought about having children of my own. I volunteered with the March of Dimes from 1989 through 1994 and continued to collect donations well after that.Well in 1997 it became my turn with the birth of my triplets Rebekah who was 3lbs 5ozs, Samantha who was 3lbs 5ozs. and Jacob who was 3lbs 2ozs at birth. Samantha was born with a collapsed lung and Jacob with double collapsed lungs and stopped breathing twice in the hospital. Look at them now! Healthy loving children all grown up and turning 29 years old in May.

This is why I believe in the March of Dimes and what they do. At the time I was volunteering, I had no idea that my story would continue with my own children. With the research that the March of Dimes did and continues to do, it gave the hospital the knowledge to help the doctors help my children.

I could never repay this special gift and will keep giving to the March of Dimes as long as I can.”

About March of Dimes

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Renowned for its groundbreaking research, advocacy, and community programs, the March of Dimes has long supported families through education and vital resources, helping to ensure that every baby can have a healthy start in life. Its efforts have touched countless lives and continue to shape the future of maternal and infant care.