In support of the Affordable Care and the belief that all families should have access to affordable health care, the March of Dimes believes that the ACA's involvement in the lives of Latinos will be vital when helping families to avoid birth defects and prematurity, because they will gain information and access to physicians early in their pregnancy. The March of Dimes Spanish-language site helps to ensure that Latinas have all the information they need when they are pregnant.

"The website's relaunch is part of a broader strategy to reach out to the Hispanic community. We've also putting together a National Hispanic Advisory Council that will be chaired by Dr. Jose Cordero." said Doug Staples, Senior VP of Strategic Marketing & Communications, who joined the March of Dimes as a writer in 1987. Cordero was an Assistant Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service and the founding director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We're also doing more media outreach around the subject."

The Spanish-language March of Dimes site was able to avoid glitches, similar to those found on the Spanish-language ACA marketplace, by employing a quality assurance process, testing every page and function on the site. The process of creating such a comprehensive and involved site was one that took a great deal of time, energy and commitment. But, revamping the website allowed for better communication, greater access, and the development of a culturally and linguistically appropriate site.

Community outreach orchestrated by the March of Dimes in Hispanic-heavy areas throughout the nation brought attention to March of Dimes' efforts.

The March of Dimes was created in 1938 to aid in the fight against polio. Its mission has changed since then, particularly as the internet and social media has created connection among different communities. Since its inception, the organization has moved forward, even after accomplishing goals.

Personal stories of disabilities, disorders and prematurity received by the organization range from happy to sad; delighted to devastated. Broad strategies and great efforts are executed to encourage women who've suffered a loss or who have children suffering due to pre-term labor. The organization has taken on spokespersons, celebrity moms—like songstress Thalia—and ambassadors, to help spread stories of hope.

Aidan Lamothe, born 11 weeks too early, is now 6 years old. His premature birth seemed to forecast hardship for the tiny child and his family, but thankfully Aidan survived and is healthy. Jill Teeters, a marketing coordinator, and David Lamothe, a civil engineer, Aidan's parents, took the opportunity to learn, and share the message that a healthy life starts with preventing pre-term birth. Aidan is presently the National Ambassador, as a part of the March of Dimes National Ambassador Program that was started in 1946. Aidan and his parents now travel the nation, spreading words of encouragement and support.

During the first 28 weeks of Jill's pregnancy she felt normal, but she suddenly fell ill, and was hospitalized as a precaution. Twenty-four hours later, Jill went into labor and was forced to have an emergency C-section. She gave birth to Aidan, who weighed 3 pounds and was only 16 inches long, after only 28 weeks and five days of pregnancy. Following his birth, he was rushed to the neonatal intensive unit and was treated for breathing problems, low birth weight and prematurity-related issues. Today, Aidan is energetic and athletic, and his family recognizes that he wouldn't be here today if weren't for the advancements endorsed by the March of Dimes.

"Aidan would not be where he is today without the knowledge, equipment and treatments available as a result of research supported by the March of Dimes March for Babies," said David Lamothe, Aidan's father. "Volunteering for the March of Dimes has allowed us to give back on behalf of Aidan healthy start and has opened our eyes to the breadth of health issues facing parents and their newborn children."

The Lamothe family first became involved with March of Babies out of gratitude for Aidan's good health, though the March of Dimes founding mission of combating polio also played a part in winning the Lamothe family's allegiance. David's uncle had polio as a child and has been in a wheelchair for most of his life, and Jill's father was a "polio pioneer"—one of the first children to receive the Salk polio vaccine in 1955. The Salk and Sabin polio vaccines were funded by the March of Dimes, and their contribution resulted in the elimination of the disease in the United States and most of the world.

The March of Dimes' continued efforts to help the Latino American community and the world is evident in its activities and events. Nearly 700 communities participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies walk, which will take place during the last weekend of April: April 26th and 27th. The signature fundraiser garners a great deal of support, awareness and funds on a yearly basis. The event, like all national and local efforts, calls for all to join in the celebration that's driven by concern over the welfare of babies.

The "we're here, you can trust us" attitude is not one that's exclusive to Staples and Sanchez, but one that is echoed throughout the entire organization. Individuals with questions are encouraged to visit the website, or make contact through Twitter or Facebook.

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