ach year since 1946, the March of Dimes has identified a child to represent our mission to the public. This National Ambassador, a child who has benefited from March of Dimes research or programs, plays a vital role in spreading the message about the organization's work to save babies.

	Emma Henderson with her parents

The 2003 National Ambassador is Emma Henderson, a six year old NICU graduate from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Emma and her parents Susan and Jeff will serve as the 2003 National Ambassador Family. Doctors gave Emma a one-in-ten chance of survival when she was born three months premature, weighing just 1 pound, 12 ounces. Every day is a challenge for Emma and her family.

The Chapter also has an Ambassador Family Program to put a face on our mission in each of our divisions and counties.

The Preemie Posse members started out as a WalkAmerica team by the Lambert-Davidson family, and has evolved into a Web site for parents and professionals. Not all ambassador families have babies that are premature.

Ambassador families...

• raise awareness of the mission of the March of Dimes
• provide leverage for local issues
• sharing their story with hundreds of women and men in our Chapter
• attend events and conferences, speak to volunteers in groups or individually
• participate in media interviews in print, on the radio or on TV
• testify at the state and local levels when asked to support our public affairs issues.
• representing a company or team at Chapter events

Here in our Chapter we are always looking for more ambassador families and their stories. We are looking for children and families who are...

• Born prematurely
• Born with a birth defect
• Benefited from the March of Dimes research and programs. This could be a healthy child born after their mother received the folic acid message.
• Family should be able to represent March of Dimes at local events, volunteer meetings and with the media.
• Willing to be trained regarding the March of Dimes mission, goals and events.

The current Chapter Ambassador Family is Abram Davidson and his family Jocelyn and Robin (DC). Other County and Division Ambassador Families are:

• The Grzejka Family (VA Division)
• The Sternberg Family
• The Moncada Family
• The Wood Family
• The Bronson Family

Folic Acid Bees help the Chapter remind volunteers about the "B" vitamin folic acid needed "BEE-fore" pregnancy to prevent birth defects. They are:

• The Alexander Family
• The Builta Family
• The Grzejka Family
• The Kite Family
  
• The Myers Family
  
• The Sternberg Family

If you think you have an interest in the chapter ambassador program and would like to help, please contact Dona Dei at ddei@marchofdimes.com or phone 1-800-326-BABY.