Nicholas Fisher, 5, and his sister Jessica, 3, sit sprawled on the floor oblivious to the significance of the day’s events. Like normal children, they are fascinated by gadgets and the tablet that currently holds their attention is no different.

The fact they are healthy and strong is enough for celebration and the adults gathered at the Carterville County Club on this day know the children themselves are a symbol of hope for others.

As siblings they share a rare bond since as babies they were both born several months premature and spent weeks in the hospital defying the odds.

“They are truly miracles,” said their mother Katherine Fisher. “We’ve been truly blessed.”

Mrs. Fisher was 25 weeks pregnant when she delivered her son Nicholas by Cesarean section due to complications.

For 139 days, she and her husband Brian watched as their child fought to live.

Weighing it at 1 pound 4 ounces, Nicholas was on a ventilator for nine weeks and for a while his prognosis was “stop and go,” said his mother.

“Nicholas had other plans,” said Mrs. Fisher. “Through it all, Nicholas has been a strong, full-of-life child.”

The Fishers’ daughter Jessica was born at 27 weeks.

Weighing in at 1 pound 14 ounces, she spent 125 days in the hospital and, aside from eye surgery, she continues to develop into a happy and healthy child.

“She’s just a sweet, laid-back child,” Mrs. Fisher said.

Both Nicholas and Jessica, are among the nearly 20,000 babies born prematurely every year.

The March of Dimes, founded by former president Franklin Roosevelt, is dedicated to helping families like Fishers who are affected by preterm births.

The March of Dimes kicked off its March for Babies campaign Feb. 15 and the Fisher children have been named as ambassadors.

The march, which is the biggest fundraiser for the March of Dimes, will be held May 4 at Dellinger Park at 7 p.m.

Currently teams are being sought for the event and the goal is to raise $60,000, said the event’s chairperson Rodney Scott.

“I’m honored to lead the charge,” Scott said.

Last year the march raised $55,000 and Scott said the goal is to rally the community.

“I truly believe we can do more than that this year,” Scott said.

Information: (678) 564-5231.