Julius and Kristine Bendo

At 19 weeks gestation, our Nixon was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), meaning he wasn’t growing up to his gestational age and weighed below the 5th percentile. After many tests, it was said the IUGR was due to placental insufficiency—Kristine’s placenta did not develop properly and was not delivering adequate amount of nutrients and oxygen to our baby. At our 31 week growth ultrasound, our baby boy wasn’t growing as well as we hoped. A non-stress test was done and revealed dips in his heart rate. The next evening of May 2, 2018, Nixon David Bendo was born via emergency cesarean, weighing 1 lb 13 oz and measuring 13.5 in. We called him our little Captain America because like Captain America, he was tiny, was given (steroid) shots, had a bruised eye (it was difficult to get him out), and was a strong and cute fighter!

83 days in the NICU, Nixon endured a bacterial infection, 2 blood transfusions, countless blood tests, 2 PICC lines, and gastrointestinal problems that were very hard to solve. Nixon suddenly passed away at the age of 2 months and 22 days old in the NICU. We never got to bring him home. There were no definite answers to Nixon’s failure to thrive and to my placenta related issues since all tests for genetic, blood clotting, and autoimmune diseases came back negative.

Throughout our journey, we were surrounded by an amazing support system filled with the love of our family and friends. We found helpful and comforting resources through March of Dimes, which allowed us to remember our baby in a special way. Team Nixon was formed in his honor and in hopes to create awareness on premature birth/infant mortality. This will be Team Nixon’s 6th year walking with March for Babies.  

We are walking for our special baby and all babies gone too soon. Please support by: 

•  Donating to expand research and find solutions for the best possible care for moms and babies everywhere. 

      and/or

• Joining our Team Nixon and walking with us on May 31st!