Laura Elsbeth

In September 2022, I had preterm premature rupture of membranes.  I was immediately admitted to the BWH antepartum floor and had exceptional medical care and emotional support from every single nurse and doctor. They cared for me and my son- and encouraged me to stay strong every step of the way.  I remained pregnant for another month and then my son, Parker, decided he was ready to join the world at only 25 weeks gestation, on October 26, 2022. 

He was born via emergency c-section and started his life as a micro-preemie, weighing only 1lb and 10oz. Immedietly, the NICU team swooped in and were there for me, my son, and my entire family. Throughout his time at the BWH NICU, we had the world's best team of nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and more. I'll never forget that on nights when I was told he was not expected to survive how the nurses held me, took pictures. Furthermore,  while saving his life- they still found a way to decorate his room with his footprints and other decor. We celebrated halloween, thanksgiving, christmas, NYE, valentines day, st. patricks day, and more in the NICU- and for every holiday his nurses decorated his room, dressed him in costume, and left a little goodie bag for his family. During all these months, I also had the opportunity to bond with other NICU families.  I've met women who have become lifelong sisters to me. His care team and other NICU families, both of which are now lifelong friends, made the light in the darkest time of my life. 

This year, it is my honor to march for  every NICU baby (those still admitted, those who have graduated, and those with their angel wings), NICU families, and NICU medical team members. I march for the families who are spending days, nights, weekends, holidays in the NICU.  I march for the families who are now home with their babies.  I march for the families who did not get to take their babies home, but are forever parents.  I march for Parker's primary medical team who may never realize that they not only saved his life but my life, as well. I march for the future. I march to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please, help share my fundraising page and make a donation, if you are able to do so. Together, we can and will make a difference.  This fight will not stop until every mother and baby is well.