http://www.teamandy.org

I am a blessed man.

Very few things in my life have stopped me in my tracks, but the day I became a Father was not the joyous celebration for which a majority of parents are blessed. On June 29th, 2002 Anderson (Andy) Vaules arrived in this world 14 weeks early. Renae had HELLP Syndrome and had to deliver Andy early as she was critically ill. Born at 1 pound, 4 ounces, he stayed in the NICU for 106 days and had 9 surgical procedures before coming home. No matter how I would like to forget the pain of that time, I am reminded everyday it was worth it by the little boy who is my son, a little boy who laughs in his sleep.

I have volunteered for the March of Dimes two years before Andy was born. I understood their mission before Andy came along, and knew there was a purpose for the situation we were in. We stepped up quickly, and were honored for the three of us to be the Twin Cities Ambassador family, and when I was named to the Minnesota State Board.

Now is a new day, and if you know my family we have traveled a lot since we last lived in Minnesota. We are a year into settling into life in Arizona, my home State. We have formed a new Walk Team, and are looking for people to sponsor, or join our team.

On the day Andy was born, the OB told me that “at the end of the day, I cannot guarantee that either your wife of baby will be alive.” It was that serious. I know that there were multiple products, drugs and equipment that were used on Andy and Renae that saved both of their lives. I can guarantee you that if you help the March of Dimes, you will be saving a life.

I know firsthand, because not only did they help save Renae and Andy, they saved me too.

Thanks,

Robb Vaules

Dad

http://www.teamandy.org

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.