We are kicking off our 7th year supporting the March of Dimes with Team Rebecca Grace! Unfortunately we will not be able to make it to Boston this year for the big walk and celebration BUT we are still supporting the March of Dimes and will definitely our own walk in honor of all our preemie friends.
Rebecca was born at 2:02am May 7th 2017 at just 23 weeks and 5 days gestation, just barely "viable". She came into the world kicking and fighting and she hasn't stopped since. At just 1 pound 7 ounces and just 13 inches long she was incredibly small and fragile but it was clear she was a fighter. Kyle and I promised her we would give her every chance we could and this is how we started our crash course into parenthood. She never gave up, and neither did we. After 227 days in three different hospitals, 2 surgeries, countless IVs and central lines, echocardiograms, brain ultrasounds, multiple courses of pneumonia, and 2 IV infections we finally brought her home on December 20th and celebrated our first Christmas as a family.
We often say that throughout this journey we have been both unlucky and incredibly lucky. We still don't know why my water broke so soon but in those months in the hospital we avoided so many of the complications of premature birth that we spent so much time discussing in the NICU. She is the strongest person I know and our own example of the fact that miracles do happen.
It is incredible to watch her grow and learn while she becomes her own person. She is so tall and has really loved rocking her bright purple glasses that are new to her this year. Her appetite for reading continues to be ravenous - the girl reads everything in sight. This year she has become a wonderful story teller and writer. She continues to love to ski and swim and this year has started to dance at a local studio. While she has always been able to get along with most everyone she has really turned into a social butterfly this year making closer friends and exploring different ways of being a good friend. She is empathetic, kind, creative, and smart.
Our story and the experiences we have had are far too common. This is the SEVENTH year that we organize this team to raise money and awareness for premature birth, infant loss, and maternal health. 1 in 10 babies in the United States are born premature. We march in honor of Rebecca and all the other miracle babies out there. With your donation the March of Dimes can research causes of premature birth, support families like ours struggling to get through each day in the hospital, and fight to get pregnant women the health care they need to ensure that every baby gets the strongest start possible.
Thank you for your time and consideration, any donation helps but it is also incredibly helpful to share our story for others who may be touched and wish to help and to simply spread awareness.
Fight like a preemie!
With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.
At March for Babies™ you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
