Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a father who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a man and a father. Above all, the Dad of the Month is dedicated to his children. Rich or poor, famous or not, he shines as an example of what fathering is all about.

Our choice for July is Jeff Henderson, father to Emma Nichole Henderson, 2003 March of Dimes National Ambassador.

The first time Jeff Henderson, a 41-year-old father from Oklahoma City, Okla., really looked at his daughter was through a NICU warmer at Integris Baptist Medical Center. Jeff did not expect to see his little girl for a while yet, but his wife, Susan, had gone into preterm labor before her 6th month. Ten days after being admitted to the hospital, Susan gave birth to Emma Nichole, who measured just 13 inches long. Despite an early entrance into the world that included 101 days in the hospital, Emma is now a happy 7-year-old and the 2003 March of Dimes National Ambassador.

Fragile Beginnings
"The first thought I had when Emma was born was that there was no way she would ever live," says Jeff. "I was in the operating room with my wife, Susan, and stood next to the doctor as she delivered Emma. All I could think was that she was so small and yet so perfect. I immediately began to worry about what consequences she would face if she did survive. I just kept wondering what would happen next. I told myself to just think about today and deal with tomorrow as it came."

But despite the worry, there was just as much joy and wonder for Jeff, and he knew he had to keep the faith for both his wife and daughter. "I think I knew then that if I kept the faith and fought just as hard as my Emma everything would be OK," he says. "One worry that troubled me deeply was how my wife would handle having Emma born so early and so fragile. Susan was very sick, and during the first two weeks of Emma's life, doctors told me to be prepared to lose both my wife and my newborn daughter."

Jeff's faith prevailed, and this year he and Susan will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, and Emma is now a happy little girl who just graduated kindergarten and is looking forward to first grade.

Her proud dad describes Emma as a "phenomenal reader," and she also enjoys tennis, karate and horseback riding. "She has been riding horses since she was 2 years old as part of a physical therapy program, and she loves them." Jeff says Emma has lots of friends, and "it seems as if there is always someone ringing the doorbell to ask if Emma can come out and play. Emma also has one very special friend who is always with her and plays with her everyday – especially in her toy room when no one else is around. His name is Terry, and he is her imaginary brother."

As a family, they enjoy going on "family dates." "We go to Emma's favorite restaurant – pizza, of course – and then to the movies," he says. "This is a special time that allows us to catch up with one another and share how we feel."

Getting Healthy
Hospitals continue to remain a part of Jeff's life. Emma has undergone five neurosurgeries, laser eye surgery and an orthopedic process to lengthen her right heel cord. The last neurosurgery involved placing a lateral ventricular shunt in Emma's brain to drain excess fluid. The fluid drains into her abdominal cavity where it is reabsorbed into her body. "If that shunt ever fails, she will have to undergo emergency surgery to correct it, or her brain could be permanently damaged," says Jeff. "That is a constant worry and a worry that Emma will have to live with the rest of her life."

Getting Involved
The March of Dimes was a part of Jeff's life even before the birth of Emma. In 1994, Susan became an active volunteer and served on the Oklahoma March of Dimes Board of Directors. Neither Jeff nor Susan knew what a pivotal role this organization would play in their lives in the years to come. "Our lives have been profoundly changed since Emma became the 2003 March of Dimes National Ambassador," says Jeff. "It seems that so much of what we do now brings with it the possibility of affecting someone else's life in a positive way. We feel that we can help solve a problem that affects so many children and families all around the world."

Not only are the Hendersons helping others, but their family is now closer because of their involvement. "Although we are always traveling, the wonderful thing about it is that we get to do so much together," he says. "I have spent more time with Emma and Susan this year than I would have if we had stayed at home in our normal routine. Traveling the county and meeting so many people has reminded us what a wonderful country ours is, and the March of Dimes has helped my family remember that we each can make a difference."

Emma enjoys serving as National Ambassador, but only as a 7-year-old can. Her favorite part? "Emma enjoys staying in hotels and ordering room service," says Jeff. "No matter where we stay, she has to have time just to play in the hotel room. Swimming in the pool is a close second." Jeff, Susan and Emma all look forward to meeting the president later this year.

Happy Living and a Challenge to Dads
Jeff's positive outlook and energy keeps him feeling young. "I am 41 years old, and most of the time I feel like I am only 25," he says. "I have a wonderful and rewarding job. I spend my days playing with dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, birds and many other animals." Jeff's official title is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, but Emma just tells everybody that her daddy "is an animal doctor and sometimes a lizard doctor." When not helping animals or traveling with his family, he enjoys riding motorcycles, playing golf and working – or "puttering" as Susan puts it – around the yard.

But spending time with his family rates high above all his other hobbies. "Long before Emma was born I read somewhere that the average dad in America only spends 15 minutes a day with his children," he says. "I vowed then that I would not be the average dad. Everyday I work to make sure I spend as much time as possible with Emma. My challenge to all the dads is to spend more time with their children. And what better way to do it than helping a worthwhile organization like the March of Dimes!"

For Jeff, happiness and health go hand in hand, and that encases all his hopes and dreams for Emma. "You can't have one without the other," he says. "As long as I see her laugh and smile, I know that my hopes and dreams for her are being fulfilled."

Want to see more?

• Special Kids Today
• Start a diary! Find out how to get started here!
• "Daddy, Play With Me!"
• Living Next Door to Batman: Toddlers and Imaginary Friends
• Glossary of Pregnancy and Labor Terms
• Read about past Dads of the Month here!
• Read about past Moms of the Month here!