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Toddler, family top March of Dimes fundraisers
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Published: December 29, 2009
Three-year-old Will Johnson is like many other toddlers. He loves playing with his friends and toy cars, and he's intrigued by the glow of police car lights.
But one thing that isn't so typical of the Statesville boy is the important part he has played in raising money for a charity.
Will and his family have raised more than $20,000 for the Iredell County March of Dimes March for Babies.
Will has been named the 2009 March for Babies top youth walker in North Carolina and is ranked No. 5 in the nation.
"It's really a tribute to all the folks who really care about this issue," said Will's father, Mitch, acknowledging those who have donated to Team Will, which consists of Johnson family members and friends.
The group has raised $22,044 this year, $14,384 of which was raised by Will, Mitch said. Most of the money has been donated through online fundraising efforts.
"It's amazing we have people we don't even know raising money," Mitch said. "It's amazing how people care about other people."
Raising money for March of Dimes — which works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality — is an effort that is extremely personal to the Johnsons.
Will was born in March 2006 at 23 weeks and weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces at birth. His twin brother Sam survived one-and-a-half days before passing away.
Will spent four months in the hospital.
Will's mother, Anna, said medication pioneered by March of Dimes is a big reason Will survived. The medication halted labor for two additional weeks.
"Those two weeks made all the difference because most hospitals will not try to resuscitate babies born before 23 weeks," Anna said. "(The medication) saved Will's life because there's no way he would have lived without it."
Will's family began its involvement with March of Dimes while Will was still in the hospital. It was their intent to become involved to help prevent premature births so families wouldn't have to go through a similar experience.
"March of Dimes is an easy cause to raise money for because of the extremely good work they do," Mitch said.
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