The Iris Fund was created in loving memory of Iris Crystal Aleman who was born and passed away due to prematurity on July 15, 2017. In the days following her death, we wanted to learn more about what causes preterm birth and ways to prevent it. We were stunned to learn that obstetricians do not fully understand the mechanisms that start the onset of normal labor leading to childbirth. Even less is known about what triggers preterm labor leading to a baby that is born premature — like Iris.

Over the past eight years, The Iris Fund has become the leading private funder of basic science research related to preterm birth. We connect patients, partners and providers to find answers and are devoted to the future every preterm baby deserves.

Join us for a celebratory brunch the day before the 2025 New York City Marathon to connect with members of Team Iris — including the nation’s foremost researchers, clinicians, advocates and champions in the race to end preterm birth and stillbirth. Learn about the remarkable progress we are making in research, clinical care and patient advocacy from the people leading the charge.

Our community is more powerful and more necessary than ever before. Let’s rally support for our runners, for mothers and babies, and for the work we do together to improve pregnancy outcomes for families everywhere.

If you're unable to attend in person, please consider a donation to drive our work forward!

---please reach out with any questions to theirisfund@outlook.com---

This event is offered in part thanks to generous gifts from Morgan Stanley and an anonymous donor.

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