Fight For Preemies!

This July 31st is my brother's 25th birthday. It will be 25 years since he was born six weeks premature and had to spend 15 days in the neonatal intensive care unit due to underdeveloped lungs. He was on 100% oxygen and was given his last rights by a priest.

This May 20th is my 23rd birthday. It will be 23 years since I was born two weeks early and had to spend a measly 12 hours in the NICU due to fluid in my lungs.

On February 5, 2008, my cousins, Max and Tyler, were born at a frighteningly early 26 weeks 1 day gestation. Though they were fortunate enough that their mother was able to receive three steroid shots prior to their birth, they spent 67 days in the NICU. Today, they are thriving miracles who, aside from their size, show no signs of having been born 14 weeks early. In fact, and Bridge, correct me if I am wrong, I believe they are AHEAD of not only their adjusted age, but also their REAL age! They truly are our little miracles, who I just happen to get to spend time with weekly :). And who are going to become big brothers in October ;)

Many of us know someone who was born premature. Perhaps it was even a child of yours. Perhaps it was you. Or perhaps it was a friend of a friend of your grandma's aunt. Whatever the case, we all know someone who has been affected by prematurity.

Without the research and support of organizations like March of Dimes, many premature infants may not even stand a chance of survival. This wonderful organization funds research in various medical fields as well as supporting NICU's across the nation. As a NICU volunteer and wannabe future NICU RN, this organization has a very special place in my heart.

This Sunday, I will be marching around downtown on Team Max and Tyler in support of all preemies, both surviving and in heaven. I encourage each of you to go to their website and see when there will be a walk in your area and march for a wonderful cause. And if you'd like to donate, and by no means do I want you to feel like you have to, you can donate to any of the following teams or donate here.

Team Max and Tyler
Fight Club (the Walker quadruplets)
Team 4TUNATE (the Murray Quads)

and countless other families!

Please consider joining the effort, even if it is just by spreading the word. Every little bit helps.




*And on a completely unrelated note, NO ONE has accepted the 'preppy mafia award' I gave to all of my public followers. Y'all, please don't make me tag each and every single one of you. Just answer the questions and spread the joy, k? Thanks.

Comments

I love this cause!! It's one that I help out EVERY single year, no matter what! My younger daughter was born at 29 wks. 1 day, and spent a month and a half in NICU care. It was pretty scary, but she thrives in spite of it -- March 26th marked her 10th birthday! =) I'm so glad your brother and cousins are doing so wonderfully, and that you are as well! =)
Helene said…
This is such a wonderful cause and I used to walk it before I had kids. Now that I have kids I haven't participated in the walk myself but I have financially supported the cause.

With all my babies being preemies, you'd think I would be walking it, though, huh? I should get my butt in gear!

your little cousins sound like true miracles!
Anne said…
Great post, so wonderful and near to my heart because I worked for the March of Dimes for part of my career. I planned the walks in our area and it was an amazing and fulfilling job. Hope you raise LOTS of money!!!
J.B. said…
I've taken care of two preemies after they were home. They always stay in your heart.
Thanks so much for your continued support of our family, Marianne!! I'm so glad you and your mom will be walking with us on Sunday, and I'm even more glad that we get to see you every week! We are so lucky to have you around.
Pam said…
Just went over to Max and Tyler's blog. What a major couple of inspriational cuties! My nephew was a preemie. He's 18 now and doing great. Neonatal intensive care nurses rock!

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