In the United States, an estimated half-million babies are born too soon, and many of them die, according to the March of Dimes. More than 120,000 are born with serious birth defects, some of which lead to lifetime disability.

The organization's mission is to save babies from premature birth and other serious threats to infant health. The group also provides information and emotional support to families of premature or sick babies being treated in neonatal intensive-care units nationwide.

Blackett says she didn't know much about the organization or about premature births before Savanah made her early appearance, 25 weeks into the pregnancy. She's grateful for their happy ending and determined to help others find one as well.

She's working on a master's degree in secondary education, with a dance emphasis, and she coaches a high school drill team. She also teaches three nights a week at her mother's dance studio. She works part time, as well, in the Central Valley Medical Center business office. And she plans to use all the skills she's developed to help raise money for the March of Dimes, starting with a dance recital fund-raiser in June.

It's a thank-you note of sorts.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com