04/17/2026
Windy City Mother Member Crystal and Jack Pack Dad Franklin Reynolds’ son Dylan was born at 34 weeks, weighing just 3 lbs. 11 oz.
“In those first moments, nothing went the way we had hoped. Instead of bringing him home, he spent 24 long days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), fighting to grow stronger.
At first, he couldn’t even eat on his own. Every small step forward felt like a huge victory. Day by day, he began to gain weight and learn how to feed, showing us a strength we didn’t know was possible in someone so small.
After my emergency C-section, I could barely walk, let alone care for my son the way I wanted to. I felt helpless. I felt guilty that I couldn’t carry him to term. But Dad stepped in without hesitation, caring for Dylan and supporting both of us while Dylan continued to prove he was a true champion.
The NICU became our world. It was a place filled with fear, but also with incredible compassion. The care Dylan received while he fought to grow was critical for both of us. And it wasn’t just the medical care, it was the love in the smallest moments. I will never forget them putting a tiny Superman cape on him for Halloween. That simple gesture meant everything to us. Today, Halloween is his favorite holiday a reminder of just how far he’s come.
Slowly but surely, he got bigger. He got stronger. And one day, we were finally able to bring him home.
Today, Dylan is a healthy, thriving 8-year-old something that once felt so uncertain.
Programs like March of Dimes are not just important—they are life-changing. The support, advocacy, and care for moms and babies are the reason stories like ours have happy endings.
We are here today because of that support. And we are forever grateful.”
Consider donating to March of Dimes/March of Babies this April 💜 See the link in our bio to donate and stand with Windy City Chapter!
