Our journey with the March of Dimes began in 2007 when we found out that we were expecting. Like all first-time parents, there was a great deal of excitement. During our first few visits to the Doctor, things were progressing great. Then at our 14-week appointment we found out that we were expecting twins! This would be the first set of twins on either side of our immediate family.
After that visit, we began experiencing complications. One of our babies was leaking amniotic fluid, and the specialists at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, MI were not optimistic that we would be able to continue the pregnancy, but they encouraged us that they would do all that they could. Our twin girls arrived at 28 weeks, with Olivia weighing 2 lbs., 15 oz and Lily weighing 2 lbs., 7 oz. The staff at Hurley did everything that they could, but after 10 hours, Lily lost her battle and took on her new role as our guardian angel. Olivia spent the next 49 days in the NICU, where we saw firsthand the work of the March of Dimes. Had it not been for the work of the March of Dimes, and support of people like you, our girls would not have had a chance. We would not have had those 10 hours with Lily or gotten to watch Olivia grow into a young adult.
Olivia is 18 now, and she just graduated with honors from High School. She thrived in school, and was active in dance, theatre, art and music. She may have started out small, but she has made a big impact on us. Lily's memory lives on through her sister and in our hearts.
After our girls were born, we had several setbacks with trying to have another child. We were blessed after two miscarriages with the birth of our son Charlie, who is now 13 years old. Because of the work of the March of Dimes, we received the pre-natal care that allowed us to carry Charlie to full term, where he weighed in at 9 pounds, three times what his sisters weighed at birth. Our message to those who have suffered a loss is to not give up! Miracles do happen, and the March of Dimes is working to make sure that Moms and Babies are born healthy and to full term.
Thanks for your support of Team Olivia and Lily, and for so many families like ours!
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you to our local sponsors
