Vernell Davis

Sixteen years ago my life changed forever. I was pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. It was my second time carrying twins, but this pregnancy was much harder. At just four months pregnant I was placed on strict bed rest. Despite doing everything I could, I went into early labor at only 28 weeks. Doctors rushed me into an emergency C-section. I lost so much blood during surgery that when I woke up, I was in the ICU with tubes in my nose and mouth and my arms strapped to the bed. Doctors told my family they weren’t sure if I would survive. After six blood transfusions and two days fighting for my life, I finally made it back to labor and delivery. Both of my babies were in the NICU. My daughter Kali was born just three minutes before her brother, making her the older twin. At first she seemed to be doing better than him. Then suddenly the doctors called and told me she was having trouble eating. They discovered an infection in her intestines and said she would need emergency surgery. I packed my things and went to stay at the hospital with her. The surgeons opened my baby’s tiny belly to remove the infected portion of her intestines. After the procedure they struggled to close her stomach because her intestines were so swollen. I sat beside her watching my baby quietly fight through pain, as tears rolled down both of our faces. On February 16, 2011, I lost my beautiful baby girl, Kali. I was heartbroken and emotionally shattered. A few months later, I joined the March of Dimes walk in her honor. Being surrounded by other families who understood loss helped me feel like we were celebrating her life. Because I never had a funeral for Kali, the walk felt like one big memorial filled with love, strength, and remembrance. From that day forward, I made it my mission to walk every year For the Love of Kali. Some years my team is 50 people strong. Other years it may be just me. But no matter what, I walk. I walk for my daughter. I walk for premature babies. I walk for friends and families who have experienced loss. And I walk for life. This year marks our Sweet 16th year walking in Kali’s honor. Your support helps March of Dimes continue funding lifesaving research, supporting families with premature babies, and giving hope to mothers everywhere. Thank you for walking with us, donating, and helping us keep Kali’s legacy alive.