Fighting for Firsts

What is Fighting for Firsts?

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of infant mortality. Babies born before 37 weeks have a higher risk of lifelong complications. In the last 10 years Healthier Moms and Babies have helped 3,000 babies reach their first birthday. We are fighting for the firsts of all of our neighbors.

Our dedicated Fighting for Firsts Champions have a goal to raise at least $2,500 each for Healthier Moms and Babies throughout the month of October.  Funds raised will be used to support home visitation and other critical support services to high-risk pregnant Moms throughout Northeast Indiana to combat the infant mortality rate. 

We will kick off this fundraising campaing during our October 21st Volunteer Networking Event at Hop River Brewing Company. During this event we will have a champion meet and greet and an opportunity to help wrap diapers. 

Champion Campaign: Fall 2026

Gala/Event: Spring 2027

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda at adavis@hmbindiana.org.

You Can Help Fight for Firsts

Our Community Champions are fundraising throughout the months of October and November, spreading awareness for prematurity in our community. Preterm babies are at higher risk for problems eating, breathing, maintaining body temperature and developmental delays. In most cases, if the mother recognized her signs of preterm labor and sought medical assistance early enough, the greater the chance the delivery could be forestalled for days, weeks and sometimes a month.​ 

Allen County has one of the highest prematurity rates in the state of Indiana. Healthier Moms and Babies' preterm rate for their families is at 6% which is significantly lower than our county average. Babies born in our program are 10 times more likely to celebrate their first birthday!

2026 Community Champions

  • A man with glasses leaning against a brick wall outdoors, wearing a patterned blue shirt over a gray t-shirt, with green trees and blurred background behind him.

    Sherri Berghoff

  • A woman with long curly hair, wearing hoop earrings and a sparkly light blue top, smiling in an indoor setting.

    Lindsay Davenport-Solon

  • Professional woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a black blazer and floral blouse, standing outdoors in front of a modern building.

    Rebecca Karcher

  • Ashley King

  • An older woman with gray hair, wearing a black top, holding glasses and smiling at the camera.

    Kathy O'Shaughnessy

  • A professional woman smiling, wearing a navy blazer and white shirt, with hoop earrings and shoulder-length dreadlocks, against a plain white background.

    Diana Patterson

  • Group of seven people standing outdoors in front of a blue banner with white text, on a sunny day.

    Danny Taladay

Donate to a Champion Today!

Thank You 2026 Sponsors

AQUA An Essential Utlities Company logo.
Logo of MidWest America Federal Credit Union with bold blue and red text.
Lutheran Health Network logo.
Logo of Ash Brokerage featuring a green tree and text 'Ash Brokerage' with the tagline 'An Integrity Company'.
KSM logo with Text "CPAs & Advisors" beneath
F&M Bank logo with a stylized square design and the company name in blue text.
PHP Employee Benefits logo.
Fort Wayne Pediatrics logo.
Logo of Women's Health Advantage with a stylized flower of five overlapping pastel colored petals and gray center.