Kelly Rhatigan

For Colin. For Every Baby.

In 2006, I was pregnant with my first baby. Everything was going perfectly — until 27 weeks.

Without warning, I gave birth three months early to a tiny but mighty baby boy named Colin James. He weighed just 2 pounds. Though he was small, his spirit was anything but. Colin lived in the NICU for nearly a month, fighting every single day of his life.

During that time, he developed a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a serious heart condition that affects many premature babies. To give him a chance at survival, Colin underwent PDA ligation surgery.

During surgery, our worst nightmare became reality. His aorta tore away from his heart, and our sweet boy passed away.

We were devastated.

Colin was strong. He was resilient. He fought every day he was here. And although his life was brief, he changed ours forever.

The NICU changes you. The constant uncertainty. The hope. The fear. And for us, the unimaginable loss. Losing Colin reshaped our hearts and our perspective on everything. His life — and his fight — will always be part of who we are.

In the years that followed, I was blessed to welcome two more children into my life. Colin will always be my first baby, my first love, and their big brother. His story is woven into our family — in the strength I see in my children, in the way we celebrate milestones, and in the love that continues to grow because of him.

For years, I have wanted to run a marathon in his honor.

This year, I am running the New York City Marathon as part of Team March of Dimes — for Colin, and for every baby who begins life fighting to survive.

March of Dimes supports research, education, and programs that help moms have healthy pregnancies and help babies get the strongest possible start. They support families walking through the NICU doors, unsure of what tomorrow will bring. Families like ours.

When the miles feel long on race day, I will think of Colin.
When my legs ache, I will remember a 2-pound baby who showed me what real strength looks like.
When I cross that finish line, it will be for him.

I am asking for your support — not just for a race, but for a mission. A mission to give more families hope. More answers. More time.

If Colin’s story touches your heart, please consider making a donation to March of Dimes. Together, we can honor his life by helping other babies and families facing the NICU journey.

This marathon is for Colin.
Our first love.
Our children’s big brother.
And every baby who fights.

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Kelly