Laurie Applekamp

I walk for my son, Tyler. He was born a month premature and spent time in the NICU. In my last few months of pregnancy, I developed preeclampsia and was sent home on bedrest. Within a few days of bedrest, my water broke and I had to be rushed to the hospital. The doctors were afraid his lungs weren't developed which was very scary. Tyler was born in less than 8 hours and was rushed to the NICU. I didn't get to hold him or even hear him cry. All I remember was him being whisked away. They immediately put him on a ventilator. Luckily within just a few hours, the doctors determined that his lungs were developed. He had swallowed a great deal of amniotic fluid since my delivery was rather quick. Late that night, the nurses knew I wanted to see him and wheeled me down to the NICU. There he was, in an isolette, hooked up to wires and machines. I was able to touch him, but not hold him. The next day, I was released from the hospital and had to leave my baby at the hospital. Luckily, after 10 days in the hospital, we were able to take Tyler home. We had no problems with health or developmental issues. During his childhood, he played soccer, baseball, basketball and football. He excelled in everything he set out to do. His senior year, he was offered the opportunity to play football at Harvard. After graduating from Harvard, he went on to play in the NFL. He now plays for the Seattle Seahawks. I am one of the lucky moms...I am thankful for that each and every day. It's also the reason I am so passionate about raising money for the March of Dimes. I want all moms to have the opportunity to experience an on-time delivery and healthy baby. ALL moms deserve that! Together we can make a difference in the lives of babies, so they can have the strongest start possible.