November 17 marked World Prematurity Day.  It’s a day The March of Dimes organization hopes will raise awareness for what it considers a serious health crisis.

  • Premature birth leading cause of death worldwide in children under 5
  • Julie Willis of Trinity gave birth to her daughter Savannah 5 months early
  • Willis now works to spread awareness about premature births

Unfortunately, that crisis is something Julie Willis of Trinity knows all too well.  

Willis said her first pregnancy wasn’t planned.  But when she saw her first ultrasound, she knew it was meant to be.

“There was the baby and we heard the heartbeat and I was like 'This is happening,'” Willis said.

Nervousness quickly gave way to excitement, as Willis began planning for the baby’s arrival.  Willis also said she followed her doctor’s orders, eating right and taking her prenatal vitamins.

By month five, another ultrasound revealed Willis was having a baby girl.  But that moment of happiness was shattered in a matter of seconds.

“I remember the scariest words ever were 'Uh-oh.'  And our doctor walked out of the room,” Willis said.

When he came back, Willis said she was given a very grim diagnosis.  A lack of folic acid left her growing baby with anencephaly, a birth defect that affects the brain and skull.  

The doctor told Willis her baby would not survive long after birth.

“It was hard for me to accept because for a while there, I would feel her move.  She was moving in me,” Willis said.  “And they said 'Well, it’s when she’s out that you’re going to have to make your decisions.'  And so, instead of planning for a baby shower, I was planning for a funeral.”

On March 31, 2007, surrounded by family, Willis gave birth five months early.  The baby was stillborn.

Willis named her daughter Savannah. Together with her now-husband, they decided to have the baby cremated.

Willis still keeps the ashes in a small, heart-shaped urn, tucked inside a teddy bear.

Willis said it gives her comfort, along with participating each year in the walk for The March of Dimes.

We asked Willis if she could share a message based on her experience will all expectant mothers, what would it be?

"My message would be 'Ask questions,'" said Willis. "Ask it. Demand everything be done."

To find out more about how you can support the March of Dimes, visit marchofdimes.org.