Parker Edward Chen was born 2 1/2 months too soon. He spent 8 months at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and 2 months at their PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). He spent almost 3 months at Children's Specialized Hospital for rehab. Parker finally came home (where he belongs!) on May 8th, 2009. He turned 21 months on January 10th, 2010. He currently has medical issues that still need to be resolved.

Parker′s diagnosis after a blood test was CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic abnormality that occurs in 1 out of 10,000 babies. At first it was devastating to us both as parents, because not only was Parker premature, but we had this syndrome to deal with. It looks like he is on the milder side of the spectrum, but he is not without obstacles. Parker does have a trach (since Feb 09), a feeding tube, and is on supplemental oxygen, currently weaning off.

In the PICU I remember a doctor saying that Parker was labeled as “Failure to Thrive”. I remember hearing that and I stopped breathing for a second, and the world just stopped moving. It hit me that there was a definite possibility that my baby won′t live. As a parent the thought of losing my child was frightening, unjust, and a feeling of helplessness came over me.

I remember that saying that everyone kept telling me: "God only gives you as much as you can handle." Ed and I used to question that phrase everyday we were in the hospital, through every surgery, every complication, every heart skipping moment, every hurdle that was thrown at us. We always questioned how strong God thought we were. It was not only faith, but the support of our family, friends, inspiring and determined doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, advocates, and strangers; everyone contributed emotionally, spiritually, and physically to get us through each day.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my son Parker, and for joining the fight to raise awareness of prematurity and to also help fund this cause that is so close to our family's heart. Looking forward to thanking each one of you in person at the walk, and seeing our miracle baby! :)

Also if you decide to join my team, ask your employers about their company matching program!!!

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