Amy Roesel

Our two oldest children, Peter and Kate, were both born prematurely. During my pregnancy with my oldest son, I was induced early at 37 weeks due to low amniotic fluid. Peter Michael, was born June 1, 2001, 3 weeks early weighing in at a whomping 4lbs, 11oz! Due to his low birth weight, he spent 3 days in the NICU with a feeding tube. Finally, he started eating on his own and we were finally able to bring him home! In 2003, I became pregnant with my 2nd child and we were due to deliver in late March, 2004. However, I was once again induced early at 36 weeks due to low amniotic fluid. Because I was scheduled for a C-section, the doctor advised us that there was a possiblity that Kate's lungs would not be fully developed. Needless to say, I was scared and anxious during the delivery. On March 12, 2004, Kate Barbara was born weighing in at 5lb 6oz. As the doctor suspected, Kate was born with complications and was diagnosed with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). For the first two days of her life, Kate, laid under a hood in an incubator in the NICU, hooked up to wires and an oxygen mask. More heartbreaking was that I was not even able to hold her during that time. However, she fought and got stronger and after 7 long days of treatment in the NICU, we were finally able to bring her home.

My husband and I are both very thankful and appreciative of the March of Dimes organization and what they do for premature babies. We will be walking again this year with Team Ryan and are happy to be supporting this team in honor of Ryan Hanna!