Robert Newlands

Team Newlands will once again be part of the Charlotte, NC March of Dimes March for Babies. This is our 13th year participating. Thanks to everyone's overwhelming generosity, we raised over $2,600 last year bringing our total to just over $45,000 over the thirteen years we have been participating! Words can't truly express our appreciation for the continued support.

In 2010 our family was touched by the March of Dimes mission to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. We know firsthand the challenges associated with prematurity. Our twin daughters Shelby and Kelsie were born at 26 weeks, each weighing under 2 lbs. Shelby was also born with a congenital heart defect. After a courageous fight, Shelby passed away after 9 days. She remains forever in our hearts. Kelsie spent over 100 days in the NICU. We are so grateful for the care she received from the dedicated doctors and nurses. Kelsie recently celebrated her 16th birthday and is a straight A student completing her sophomore year in high school. She has been and continues to be an inspiration to me and Karen. We have also been blessed with our youngest daughter Kendall, who will be 14 in May. She was born full-term and healthy. We believe the work of the March of Dimes played a significant part ensuring a safe pregnancy for Karen and for the healthy birth of Kendall.

So not only will be walking in memory of Shelby and in honor of Kelsie, but as a tribute to Kendall as well. Please help us reach our goal by making a donation to our walk. Your gift will fund March of Dimes research and programs to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in the newborn intensive care.

You can donate directly from my personal webpage with various forms of payment. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

Thank you for helping us give all babies a healthy start!

Rob, Karen & the entire Newlands family.