On September 21, AdventHealth Littleton hosted its first March of Dimes Walk, bringing together nearly 60 participants to raise more than $2,400 for maternal and infant health. The event took place during NICU Awareness Month and was organized by Katie Nicholas, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager in the hospital’s NICU.
Nicholas described her motivation for leading the event: “At a previous job, I was the primary nurse to a baby who passed away at seven months of age. Later, I walked with her family at a March of Dimes event,” she said. “Being able to celebrate and say her name out loud, which bereaved parents don’t often get to do, showed me the power of events like this.”
March of Dimes events had not been held locally since the pandemic. Nicholas saw an opportunity to bring them back through AdventHealth Littleton. “I thought it would be a really nice way to have an engagement opportunity for our whole team,” she said. “Then I thought, what if we extend this to the Rocky Mountain region and bring as many people as possible together?”
The walk included activities such as a bounce house and giant Jenga, as well as snacks from local vendors. Community organizations like Love for Lily participated by providing resources and handmade support bracelets for families with infants in intensive care.
Reflecting on the turnout and atmosphere, Nicholas said: “It was very cool just how everything brought people together, and that was ultimately the goal. We picked March of Dimes because it supports infant and maternal health and focuses on improving care and closing the health equity gap.”
Participants shared personal stories about their experiences with premature birth or loss. Nicholas recounted one attendee’s reason for joining: “We had a community member who said he actively seeks out March of Dimes events because he was a preemie himself,” she said. “He was so grateful to have the walk back in the metro area.”
Nicholas plans to expand the event in future years by involving more partners and increasing participation throughout the region. “For it being our first time, to have 60 people and raise $2,400 is pretty incredible,” she said. “I always want to go bigger and better, and I think this showed what’s possible.”
AdventHealth Littleton views these community events as important for building connections with patients and families while raising awareness about health issues affecting mothers and infants. As Nicholas noted: “The community likes to find ways to be involved, and it brings awareness to our hospital. It makes everyone feel good. It fills that part of your cup.”
AdventHealth Orlando is part of the same healthcare system; it is based in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 1908, has a pediatric ward, serves as a training hospital, and is led by president Terry Shaw.
