On July 15, 2017, Iris Crystal Aleman was born and died due to complications of being born too early. In the days following her death her family and friends were shocked to learn that the triggers of even full term labor are not yet known. The Iris Fund was launched within days of her passing.  We solely support the doctors and engineers at Columbia University who are answering the question of what triggers full term labor- to eventually stop it from occurring early- preventing preterm birth. 

We believe all families should be able to ask the basic questions about how their bodies work during pregnancy- and get answers.  Iris’s legacy is one that will give peace of mind to all pregnant families and provide better outcomes for our most vulnerable babies- the 450,000 born too soon in this country every year.  

As we approach four years since her passing, Iris’s inspiration has led our community to: lace up our shoes in several races in three states, garner national and local press, and raise more than $340K from 600 supporters. We have so much more to do and further to go, please join us!!  You can learn more about our fund click on the links below. 

Your gift is tax deductible and we thank you for your generosity!  

Our website:  https://www.theirisfund.org/ 

Listen or read our story on NPR:  https://npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/02/18/693635055/scientific-duo-gets-back-to-basics-to-make-childbirth-safer