Name: Brianna Shilling
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Lithia, FL
Brianna Shilling is the president of March of Dimes. What started out as a donation to Gators March for Babies and running a 5K in support of the organization turned into a dedication of advocating for healthy babies in hopes that generations to come have the chance to grow up and become whoever they dream of being.
HC: What is March of Dimes?
BS: “March of Dimes works to end premature birth and other problems that threaten new and unborn babies. It is the nation non-profit organization that helps moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. If something goes wrong, March of Dimes offers information and comfort to families. They research the reasons why babies are born too soon or very sick and work on preventions. [They’re] responsible for the polio vaccine, the infant heel pricks and folic acid supplements to prevent spina bifida.”
HC: March of Dimes, promotes awareness about about improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality – why do you think vocalizing these issues is important, especially today?
BS: “Vocalizing these issues is important because each and every one of us is affected in one way or another. I you or someone close to you decides to have a baby, there is the risk the baby will be born prematurely. Currently, 15 million babies are born prematurely each year around the world and one million will die. If a baby is born premature the average medical cost is $54,194 whereas a healthy baby it is $4,389. As newborns we were all given a heel prick test and our mothers likely took folic acid supplements – because of the March of Dimes research. We were all likely born without polio. We are all March of Dimes babies.”
HC: How is the March of Dimes Collegiate Council involved in such a large organization?
BS: “13 years ago a group of students at UF decided to make a club and raise money for the March of Dimes. It started with a few hundred dollars and grew each year. Now we aim to raise $100,000 each year and we have raised nearly $600,000 for the March of Dimes to date. We are the largest and most successful Collegiate Council for the March of Dimes in the country. Through the work of the Gainesville March of Dimes office and the amazing UF students that are part of our club we continue growing and fundraising more each year.”
HC: What can all college students learn from the March of Dimes message?
BS: “The March of Dimes is a wealth of knowledge, but specifically for college students I think it’s important to understand how the March of Dimes mission is important right now, and not just when we are at the stage in life when we want to start a family. Research that is funded right now will affect our children and the recommendations we receive when we are pregnant. Science is a body of knowledge that is dynamic and always changing and improving – part of that includes our contribution. I hope that college students understand that the March of Dimes message is important to all of us and we [benefit] because we are alive and healthy right now.”
HC: What events is the organization involved with, locally and on campus?
BS: “This year specifically we have been involved with Kick-Off, which was our event offering education to UF students outside the Reitz Union. Greek Olympics as a major fundraising opportunity full of field day style games and competition. A Food Truck Rally hosted at the High Dive in downtown Gainesville benefiting Gators March for Babies. Our final event will be our 5K on November 20th in Turlington Plaza. Registration is free but we would love donations!
HC: Do you have any advice for women who may be afraid to go after anything?
BS: To all women: you are beautifully and wonderfully made. Never be afraid to go after your dreams because there is no other person alive who can contribute to the world in the same way you can. Everything that is unique to you is everything that will serve you well in whatever you choose to do. There is nothing in the world that you can’t do.
Photo Credits: Brianna Shilling