Many of you know that when Anastasia was born she was premature. A month after I motivated myself to participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. The first year the team I founded Anastasia's Avengers raised about $1000. Each year following I learned something new about the walk. This year was the first year I actually went to the Kickstarter
Breakfast.
It was good but emotional for me. One of the speakers (the woman who is our regions mission family) mentioned that only NICU parents know what we have gone through. There are so many ups and downs. You go in one day knowing your baby is doing better. She's gaining weight and then the next day she's having an apnea episode and you have no idea how to snap her out of it.
The last week we were there, a set of twins were born. One was doing as to be expected. The other was not as well. We kept hearing talk of it having blood transfusions and then finally I heard they were going to Westchester Medical. I never knew what happened since we were discharged days after.
Every year I walk to honor Anastasia. Over the years I walk for other kids as well. I walk to honor my friend's niece Gabi, who was also prematurely born. I also walk to honor the memory of babies who didn't make it home to their earthly family. I became acuainted with Diana Stone (author of the blog Diana Wrote) when she lost her twins Preston and Julian in 2012 at 20 weeks (just a month after Ana was born). The following year she lost her full term baby boy Kaden. I made a promise to never forget those boys as they have touched my life more than anyone will ever know.
Finally I walk to honor the memory of my former co-worker's son. John was one of my supervisors when I worked at Borders in Poughkeepsie. I was so thrilled when he told me his wife was pregnant, but then sadly at 20 weeks she went into labor and their son Alexander was lost. I am honored that he allows me to walk to honor his son's memory.
I wish there was no such thing as premature birth so every year I walk I commit to raising money for this cause. Contrary to the public belief the March of Dimes does not donate 1 dime for every dollar raised. It's actually .75/dollar.
For more of the history of the March of Dimes click here. This will give you the whole origin of the name of the not for profit.
If you would like to donate to my walk click here
