Sarah Jinkerson

April 20 [2019] is a special day in the Jinkerson household; it is when our son, Thomas, prematurely (6.5 weeks early) joined us in this world.

For 27 days, Thomas fought to become the healthy, strong, young individual [now 7] he is today: working to relieve himself of neonatal medical assistance--24/7 monitoring and the use of breathing apparatuses and feeding tubes.

The beeps of the machines, the darkness, the quiet, and the cold of the NICU unit is something Aaron and I will never forget. Yet, through it all, it was the team at Mercy-St. Louis who instilled utmost confidence that our son was going to be more than okay.

Life had bestowed an unexpected, initial, parental journey, but life had also placed us in the perfect place with the proper people --Emerson Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Mercy Hospital St. Louis (special thanks to Judy and Hannah, wherever you are!).

It does not go beyond me nor is it unnoticed that there are mothers, fathers--parents--everywhere who go through similar experiences or situations that do not turn out as positive as the one all three of us had. Becoming a mother may not always be a happy, joyous experience, and for those mothers and babies who fought the good fight but had yet to see another day, my heart and thoughts go out.

Funds raised today enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. 

If you believe, like I do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me or make a donation to support this community effort. 

Together we can fight for the health of all moms and babies.

All my best,

Sarah Jinkerson