Friends & Family,
This year is our 7th year "marching" for the March of Dimes. We continue to raise funds each year for livesaving research that Andersen & Ava benefitted from six years ago. We want to continue the tradition. Please see below for updates on how A and A are doing.
As many of you know, Andersen & Ava Parker were born at just 26 weeks. I had a due date of January 1st and they came into this world September 26th, 2005. That is 3.5 months TOO SOON!
Andersen weighed 2lbs & Ava was 1 lb 13 oz. and both were only 13 inches long. They have had surgery to close a ductus off of their aorta, 4 eye surgeries (Ava), & a feeding tube placed in Ava's tummy. They also had reflux that needed treated with medication, they could not breathe on their own for several months thus requiring oxygen support round the clock, blood transfusions were weekly at times, and Andersen had a grade II IVH, intraventricular Hemorrhage of the brain. We walk with hope that families do not have to experience these complications with their newborn or newborns in our case!
Although their start in life was touch and go at times, I am very proud and thankful to say they are enjoying life to the fullest at six years of age. We started walking when they were 8 months old and now they are in kindergarten!
Ava's vision continues to be watched closely. We head to her opthamologist every three months to check the pressures in her eyes. She was about to have her 5th surgery on her eyes this month but the doctor decided against it and we were fine with that to say the least!!! Ava's vision impairment does not stop her from drawing & coloring up a storm.
Andersen is doing well and seems to always think of his sister first when they are not together. He is quite a social and outgoing little guy. He's an equal opportunity hugger, watch out! Each day when class lets out, he goes down the line and hugs each classmate, despite if they want a hug or not!
We are passionate about raising money for a cause very near and dear to our family. We will be walking "in honor" of Andersen & Ava. Many families walk "in memory". Having a baby should be the most joyous experience, not the scariest.
Please help us support this cause by making a donation that will be used in great ways to help give babies a fighting chance at life.
Thank you graciously for your support!!
Adam, Alisa, Andersen & Ava Parker
3520 Kerry Court, Col, OH 43221
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
