Above: Alabama Power’s Jonathan Porter, 2015 March of Dimes Citizen of the Year, is joined by wife Kima and daughters Laila (c) and Kailyn (r). 

It’s an incredible test for any family to have to endure — the premature birth of their baby.

Not only has Alabama Power’s Jonathan Porter, vice president of Human Resources and Ethics, endured this trial, his daughter Laila — born premature — continues to amaze doctors and defy the odds each day as she thrives.

Jonathan Porter expresses his gratitude for being chosen the Citizen of the Year.

Porter is the 21st and final Citizen of the Year as the March of Dimes concludes this recognition program.

Jonathan’s wife Kima videotapes the program as daughter Laila, who was born premature, watches.

Porter addresses emcee Mike Dubberly, morning anchor with WBRC FOX 6’s Good Day Alabama.

Monday night, Porter was awarded the March of Dimes’ 2015 Citizen of the Year. Corporate partners, family and friends came out to celebrate at Regions Field.

Keisa Sharpe and producer Bruce Nix share more on the Porter family’s inspirational story.

Alabama Power’s Jonathan Porter honored as March of Dimes’ Citizen of the Year from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.