Stronger hearts, brighter futures
Each year, we invite customers and associates to donate to March of Dimes to protect moms and babies and help them get the support and care they need. In 2023, we raised nearly $6.4 million for this amazing organization, earning us the prestigious honor of being their No. 1 corporate partner for the 8th year in a row.
Since 1995, we’ve raised more than $100 million at the point of sale for March of Dimes thanks to the donations made by our generous customers and associates.
We’re proud to help support an organization that makes a world of difference to so many families — including our Publix family. Meet Paul and his daughter, Sofia, and learn how the March of Dimes’ research affected their lives.
Sofia‘s story
At a regular checkup 1 month before his wife’s due date, an electrocardiogram revealed an abnormality with the baby’s heart. Specialists diagnosed the baby with coarctation of the aorta — a narrowing of the large blood vessel that leads from the heart. An extra blood vessel typically closes in babies shortly after birth, and doctors were concerned her lungs may not get enough blood once that happened. An extensive birth plan was developed because doctors were predicting the baby may need surgery shortly after birth.
When she was born
She was immediately placed in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) to monitor her heart. Fortunately, tests revealed there was no coarctation of the aorta. Sofia was discharged from the PCICU after only a day.
Thanks to research from the March of Dimes, doctors were able to detect a potentially life-threatening issue with Sofia’s heart early and plan for the best possible care before and after her arrival. Today, Sofia is 4 years old and thriving!
The March of Dimes campaign is in stores Aug. 16 – 25, 2024.