As the official prematurity birth awareness month, November has a deeper meaning to one of Fifth Harmony’s girls. Ally Brooke Hernandez has been named the celebrity ambassador for March of Dimes this year due to her own fight for life.
“I’m actually a premature baby. I was 1 pound 14 ounces. I totally fought to survive. My parents were right there all the way,” the pop star said. “I just know what it’s like to be fighting for your life, and I know my parents do too. So, I want to be able to help families like mine in their situations.”
Doctors predicted Ally’s lungs would not have reached full development when she was born, yet she came out screaming. Her extensive range of vocals are proof enough that she beat all odds.
"I very well could not be here right now," she said. "So I’m so grateful for every day I have, especially in living out my dreams. I want to be able to use this platform to be able to help other people, other babies like me. I want them to know they can do it and they can live out their dreams no matter their circumstances."
Raising awareness about premature babies and money for research to help prevent birth defects is the purpose of the March of Dimes organization. The “Worth It” singer partnered with this cause through her use of social media.
"It’s really important for me because I have the platform that I do," Ally explained. "On social media we have a lot of fans. It’s so important to me to spread awareness of premature babies and premature birth. So for me it’s to use social media as an outlet to bring awareness to it."
She’s posted several Instagram pictures in honor of the cause, including the one shown below. It shows Ally as a baby in the hospital.
With over a million followers on Instagram alone, fans have responded to this miracle child with their own stories.
“I’ve heard so many amazing stories and I’ve retweeted them. It’s really, really awesome to see people who have gone through what I’ve gone through, survived, and they’re healthy and happy today. They fought for a lot for life just like me, and I’m so happy for them,” she said. “It’s awesome to be able to bring a community together like that. Those who weren’t born premature they know somebody who’s gone through that. They also encourage one another. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”
The rest of the Fifth Harmony crew shows their support as well through social media and simply by being there for Ally and what she’s had to go through at a very young age. On Nov. 17, a special event occurred related to the cause.
Ally revealed the importance of this annually recognized date.
"Nov. 17 is world prematurity day. It’s celebrated in over 100 counties," she said. "It’s just a day dedicated to premature birth, and I posted a lot about that. A lot of people around the world did as well. We just spread the world and spread the message and hopefully inspire others to be able to help out."
Celine Dion is one of her fellow celebrities who have become involved in the efforts to decrease premature births. Ally isn’t in this alone, and due to her public figure status, she’s able to gain higher attention to the cause, especially during November. If you wanting to back this compassionate 22-year-old, here’s how you can participate.
“I encourage my fans to get involved whether it’s just educating yourself on premature birth or you can donate or volunteer. All you have to do is go to marchofdimes.org,” Ally said.
Ally is following her dreams as a professional singer, who wasn’t even supposed to have developed lungs when she was born. She uses this life experience in the most positive way possible. And for that we love her.
“I’ve always wanted to help out in whatever way I could when I was younger. I’m just so happy honestly. Because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day. You love and help to bring people together through it.”
Well said, Ally. Your cause is most definitely "Worth It."
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