March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, announced today that actor Rob Huebel and podcast host and influencer Jade Roper-Tolbert have been named to the organization’s Celebrity Advocate Council to help draw attention to the United States’ ongoing maternal and infant health crisis. As supporters of the organization, they join in an official capacity as March of Dimes marks Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month and the 20th Anniversary of their NICU Family Support® program ‒ a resource to improve the quality of patient and family experiences in the NICU.
Rob Huebel and his wife Holly Hannula got involved with March of Dimes after their daughter was born 3 months preterm. She spent 117 days in the NICU, but today is happy and healthy. Rob found a valuable support system with March of Dimes and is committed to helping other families realize that they are not alone in this journey. Jade Roper-Tolbert gave birth to three children and has started a podcast with her best friend called "Mommies Tell All" and is an advocate for postpartum awareness and education.
“March of Dimes was there for our family when we needed as much support as possible while we were in the NICU. I hope my advocacy with the organization helps other families learn that there aren’t only resources available, but a community of support. I’m excited to help March of Dimes carry out their work, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the NICU Family Support program,” said Rob Huebel, actor and March of Dimes Celebrity Advocate Council member.
“The challenges and difficulties expecting and new moms face aren’t talked about enough, so it’s by sharing our stories of the highs and lows that we help change the way we approach maternal and infant health. I’m thrilled to lend my voice to an organization like March of Dimes that can so honestly and effectively talk about issues like postpartum depression, all while offering different avenues for help,” said Jade Roper-Tolbert, influencer and March of Dimes Celebrity Advocate Council member.
The March of Dimes Celebrity Advocate Council is comprised of leaders from throughout the entertainment and sports industry who are using their platforms to advocate for research, programs, and education. By raising awareness about the issues impacting moms and babies, the advocates help drive attention to areas where it's needed. Rob and Jade join Ally Brooke, Allyson Felix, Nick Lachey, Porsha Williams, Tatyana Ali, and Whitney Port as members of the Council.
“For too long, our nation has failed to adequately address the ongoing maternal and infant health crisis that are not only devastating but in some cases preventable. Solving these life and death challenges is in no way simple, and requires a national movement of awareness building and advocacy so we drive concrete change. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Rob and Jade’s passion and support as we work to support the health of all moms and babies,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes.
September is NICU Awareness Month, and March of Dimes is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their NICU Family Support® program. Many babies will spend their earliest days in the NICU due to preterm birth, birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions, or other diagnoses. This time can be stressful and overwhelming for families. That’s why for the past 20 years, March of Dimes has been there for over 1 million families with a baby in the NICU and as they transition home, offering the support and education they need, right when they need it. Learn more at marchofdimes.org/NFS20.
About Rob Huebel
Rob Huebel is an actor and comedian known for his role on Adult Swim’s award-winning TV series “Children’s Hospital” for which he earned an Emmy nomination. He can currently be seen in the spinoff series “Medical Police” on Netflix. He starred in Jill Soloway's critically acclaimed and award-winning Amazon series “Transparent” and is a regular on FOX’s hit animated series “Bob’s Burgers.” He recently starred in HBO’s “I Know This Much Is True" with Mark Ruffalo. Other credits include the films “The Descendants” with George Clooney, “Baywatch,” “The House,” “I Love You Man” and “The Other Guys.”
About Jade Roper-Tolbert
Jade Roper-Tolbert was a contestant on Season 19 of The Bachelor, and then went to paradise for Bachelor of Paradise season 2, where she found her now-husband, Tanner. Since then, the two have gotten married, relocated to California, and gave birth to three children: Emmy, Brooks, and Reed. Jade has started a podcast with her best friend Carly Waddell titled "Mommies Tell All" and is an advocate for postpartum awareness and education.