March of Dimes ambassador’s story is close to Wright State hearts

DeMarrione “Marri” Dansby is the ambassador for the Miami Valley 2012 March for Babies, a three-mile fundraising walk scheduled for April 28 at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton.

The March of Dimes likes to enlist young people to promote its annual fundraising campaigns, but the story of this year’s Miami Valley ambassador should be close to the heart of anyone with a Wright State connection.

DeMarrione “Marri” Dansby is the ambassador for the Miami Valley 2012 March for Babies, a three-mile fundraising walk scheduled for April 28 at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. Marri’s celebrity status did not come easily: On July 29, 2003, she was born 15 weeks early in an emergency delivery at Miami Valley Hospital.

Her mother, Dawn Kilby, was a Wright State senior majoring in psychology and a part-time university employee. “It all came on suddenly,” Kilby said. “I was at work on a Friday and started feeling severe pain.” She went to the hospital, where she was told she was suffering from pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly condition related to her pregnancy. The only treatment was immediate delivery by C-section.

A delivery so far ahead of term would mean a host of serious health issues for the baby. Kilby said the March of Dimes sent a counselor to meet with her. “They forewarned me of all the problems that were going to happen,” she said.

It was just one of many ways the March of Dimes would figure in Marri’s life.

Marri was astonishingly tiny at birth. She weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces and was just 12 inches long. She was immediately placed on a ventilator, where she remained for 13 weeks. Eight days after birth, Marri underwent emergency heart surgery. A host of serious health problems including jaundice, slow weight gain, a heart deformity and major breathing issues would keep her in intensive care for 101 days.

Many of the screenings and treatments critical to Marri’s survival are the result of March of Dimes-funded research, according to Jacalyn Allen, director of the March of Dimes’ Dayton Division. “Not just Marri, but any baby born has been touched by the March of Dimes,” she said.

Throughout Marri’s ordeal, Kilby kept at her studies and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2004. “It was hard,” she admits. She went on to earn a master’s degree in human development from the University of Dayton. She said her mother Anna, who works on Wright State’s main campus in the Hangar dining hall, helped her get through it. “My mom is my strongest support system,” she said.

Today, Marri is a lively 8-year-old who enjoys dancing, modeling and cheerleading. Kilby said her daughter has embraced her role as ambassador. Although weak lungs have left her with a faint voice, she has made numerous appearances at campaign kickoffs around the Dayton area, where she reads a short story about her ordeal. “I am happy to help the March of Dimes so I can help little babies like me have a healthy start,” she says.

“Marri likes modeling. She loves being in front of people and having her picture taken. But she also understands there are babies who are sick like she was. And she loves babies,” Kilby said.

Allen said Marri makes an ideal ambassador this year in part because of her family connections to Wright State. Wright State President David R. Hopkins and Mrs. Angelia Hopkins are co-chairs of the 2012 Miami Valley March for Babies.

But Marri herself is the main reason, Allen said. “The story is very sweet and compelling, because Marri continues to grow and develop into a darling young lady,” she said.

Marri will join Dr. Hopkins in the Student Union Atrium at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, for a rally for the 2012 March for Babies. Ice cream will be served. Team captains will be on hand and will be recruiting walkers and other team members during the gathering.