My name is Jared Curtis Town. I am a preemie. I was born eight weeks early Oct. 17, 1998, and weighed 3 pounds 7 ounces. I have had eight surgeries.

I would not be here today if it wasn’t for God. God uses the March of Dimes to save babies’ lives. March of Dimes-funded scientists discovered life-saving medicines and treatments that doctors used to save me! I need your help to raise money for the March of Dimes. My goal is to be the kid who raises the most money in the state of Oklahoma.

I’m 9 years old and my favorite color is green. My favorite sport is soccer. My heroes are my Uncle Brandon and the U.S. Army Golden Knights. My uncle is a soldier for the Army in Iraq fighting in the war. My uncle is brave, strong and loves babies. Just like me. The Golden Knights are my heroes because they let me spend the day with them this past October. I wish I could be a Golden Knight when I grow up. I would love to jump out of an airplane, and get to show my support for the Army and all the troops.

The March of Dimes has been defending the health of babies for over 70 years, just like our soldiers defend our freedom. March of Dimes needs soldiers like you and me to help them keep fighting so that someday all babies will be born healthy —500,000 babies are born prematurely every year, and 150,000 are born with birth defects.

The way we can help is to raise money for this wonderful foundation. The money raised will be used to help find new medicines, treatments to help keep babies from being born early.

Please help by being a hero. It is really easy to do. You can help without ever leaving your home. Please donate today. Any amount will go along way to save babies.

We will march this year on May 17.

If you can help please make checks payable to March of Dimes and mail to the March of Dimes, c/o Jared Town, 7146 S. Braden Ave., No. 700, Tulsa, OK 74136-6371.

Visit my Web page at www.marchforbabies.org/JaredTown.

Jared Town

Muskogee