Meet the 2026 March for Babies Tampa Bay ambassador family: ‘In the Vassells, we excel’
March of Dimes ambassador family
The Vassell family lives by a specific motto: "In the Vassells, we excel." It’s a motto they use to tackle everything from daily chores to the daunting reality of having two micropreemies.
BRANDON, Fla. - The Vassell family lives by a specific motto: "In the Vassells, we excel."
It’s a motto they use to tackle everything from daily chores to the daunting reality of having two micropreemies.
The backstory:
For 35 years, FOX 13 has proudly stood beside the March of Dimes and their annual March for Babies walk. This Saturday, we continue that tradition at Raymond James Stadium, fighting for the health of moms and babies everywhere.
Baby Aliyah is what many call a "NICU miracle."
Aliyah was born at just 26 weeks old. At birth, she was small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Today, she is a vibrant 19-month-old.
"She is petite, but she’s mighty," says her mother Amber Vassell. "She’s growing great. Strong girl. We love her."
Aliyah spent 153 days in the Brandon Hospital NICU. While that stay was long, Amber and her husband Andrew were already "pros" in a world no parent expects to enter.
Dig deeper:
Aliyah's older brother, Austin, was also a NICU baby, born at just 25 weeks.
Courtesy: The Vassell Family
Today, Austin is a thriving five-year-old with a bright smile and cute glasses. Along with their oldest child, Avery, the Vassell family has moved past those difficult hospital days and into a life defined by their family creed.
What they're saying:
"In the Vassells, we excel," Amber said with a proud smile. "Anytime we have the opportunity to do something, whether it’s in our house or our community, we’re going to excel."
The Vassells know how overwhelming the NICU experience is for new families. By serving as the 2026 March for Babies Ambassador Family, they hope to provide the support and visibility they once needed.
For father Andrew Vassell, the transition from the fear of the NICU to the joy of being an ambassador is a surreal experience.
"When you have never been to the NICU, it's not even a thing on your radar," Andrew said. "Once you become part of that family, it's just such a large community. Having the opportunity to represent families that had to go through a similar experience... it's just an amazing opportunity."
Courtesy: HCA Florida Brandon
Amber Vassell echoes that, noting that their role this year is about finding purpose in their past struggles.
"I just heard God telling me no matter the things you're going to face, you're going to count it joy," Amber said. "Us becoming the ambassador family is just another example of counting it joy."
What's next:
The 2026 March for Babies Tampa Bay walk is happening this Saturday, May 16, at Raymond James Stadium.
- Registration: 8:00 AM
- Walk Kick-off: 9:00 AM
If you can’t make it to the stadium but still want to support the cause, you can find more information or donate here.
The Source: FOX 13 gathered the information for this story from the March for Babies ambassador family.