Franklin family named March of Dimes ambassadors

SAYREVILLE — The Torres/Fernandez family of Franklin has recently been named as the 2015 Skylands March for Babies Ambassadors.

On Sunday, April 26, hundreds from Warren and Sussex counties will gather for March for Babies at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta to benefit the March of Dimes. Leading the festivities will be the event's ambassadors, Melissa Fernandez and Luis Torres, and their son Luis. They will share the story of losing their first child, and of Luis’ full-term, healthy birth and thank walkers for their commitment to the March of Dimes mission to give all babies a healthy start.

Their story began a few years ago when Melissa and Luis were overjoyed to learn they would become parents and be starting their family. However, their dreams were put on hold when their baby was diagnosed with tricuspid atresia, a congenital heart defect. At just 20 weeks, Melissa lost the baby. Exactly one year later, she became pregnant and a full nine months later, gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Luis. Today, Luis is a vibrant 18-month-old baby.

The Torres/Fernandez family is dedicated to making sure other parents can have the same happy ending.

“Once again our family is thrilled to participate in this year’s Skylands March for Babies walk at the Sussex County Fairgrounds," Fernandez said. "It is an opportunity for us to celebrate Luis’ life and support other families that have had a loss. We hope by sharing our story as a local ambassador family, we can encourage others to join us in making a difference in the lives of children."

Participants can meet the family at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 26. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the walk kicking off at 9 a.m. For more information, visit marchforbabies.org.