Paige Leonard

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. Our son Rowan was born via emergency c section at 30 weeks gestation at 2lbs 5oz and 14 inches long due to severe preeclampsia and maternal floor infarct. He was immediately taken to the NICU at MoBap. Over his first few hours of life it became clear he needed a higher level of care and was transferred to STL Childrens Hospital NICU. Rowan spent 50 days in the NICU and graduated at 37 + 1 weeks old. Over Rowan’s 50 day stay he had numerous medical diagnoses/ procedures- including blood transfusion, a brain bleed, IUGR, PICC line, x rays, bubble CPAP, intubation, daily heel pricks, and more. We had many scary moments and many triumphant moments during our time in the NICU. Our family received exceptional care in the NICU and we know part of this is because of research funding and family support from March Of Dimes. Our Rowan is still little but he sure is mighty too. Our experience with Rowan caused Wyatt’s pregnancy to immediately be labeled high risk. With a history of severe preeclampsia and maternal floor infarcts Paige took low dose asprin daily and gave herself lovenox shots daily. Weekly appointments, blood draws, and ultrasounds led to a hypertension dianosis and non-severe preeclampsia. Wyatt came one month early at 36 weeks. Paige received excellent medical care during her high risk pregnancy informed by research the March of Dimes has supported, like low dose aspirin’s benefits. This is why we are walking for the March of Dimes. And we need your help. Please support our walk. Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on this page. Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!