The first few days of her life are a blur. I don’t remember many details—I remember fear. I remember having a constant, desperate need to know that she was alive, moment to moment, and to hold on to the hope that she would be okay.
Early on, I was told, “This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Take care of yourself as much as you can.” At the time, I didn’t yet understand how deeply true that would be.
During Valentina’s first week, we had our first family meeting with her medical team. They talked with us about her prognosis and the long road ahead. Valentina was the smallest baby in the NICU at the time—just 700 grams and 11 inches long. From those early days, she earned the nickname “Teeny,” a name that has stayed with her ever since.
The next 109 days became a lesson in patience, strength, and learning how to live one day at a time. Valentina was born just before the holidays, and one of the hardest parts was leaving the hospital without her—something we had to do every single day for 109 days. Loving a baby who is fighting for her life while learning to leave her behind each night is a kind of heartbreak no parent ever expects.
But we were never alone.
If it were not for the BWH NICU team, Valentina would not be here today. They cared for her with extraordinary skill, compassion, and dedication. They became like family to us—supporting us, guiding us, and lifting us up during moments when hope felt fragile. We remain in touch and still try to see her nurses whenever we can. We owe them more than words can express.
After 109 days, Valentina made it home.
Today, Teeny is 3 years old—a vibrant, energetic toddler who fills our lives with joy. We still call her by that nickname, a reminder of how incredibly small she once was and how strong she has grown. While her medical journey continues with follow-ups and ongoing care, she is thriving and is a daily reminder of resilience and possibility.
I’m walking and raising funds for March of Dimes with the BWH Strollers team in honor of Valentina, and for every family currently navigating their own NICU journey. March of Dimes supports critical research, advocacy, and programs that help babies get stronger starts and help families feel supported during their most vulnerable moments.
My goal is to raise $1,009 in honor of Valentina—our Teeny—and the 109 days that shaped our lives forever.
Thank you for supporting this cause, for supporting our family, and for helping bring hope to families who need it most
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
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