March of Dimes

Most of you reading this know my son Connor was born 6 weeks premature.

But for those who don't...

Connor was born at 34 weeks gestation (a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks). He weighed 5 pounds 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. He was immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to complications related to his prematurity. He stayed there for 11 long days until he was strong enough to come. Which happened to be Christmas morning, what an amazing gift we'll never forget.

Connor is now 14 months old and is an absolute joy. He was hospitalized for 6 days when he was 7 weeks old because he contracted RSV. (Respiratory syncytial virus is a very common virus that can become serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups, like those born premature.) Other than that and a few colds here and there, he has been healthy and shows no health issues related to his prematurity. We are thankful everyday that he is healthy.

 Something you may not know is my best friend Jayme also has a son who was born prematurely. 

Zackary was born at 33 weeks, 7 weeks early. He weighed 5 pounds and 11 ounces. He was also very fortunate and only had to stay in the hospital for 6 days. Zack is now 11 years old and one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. He was also fortunate enough not to have any lasting health issues related to his prematurity. Jayme went on to have 2 more children and she carried both of them to full term (40 weeks). That gives me hope that I too can carry baby #2 (who we will be trying to conceive this summer) to full term.
:::FINGERS CROSSED:::

The doctors do not have any explanation for why Zack and Connor were born early. Neither Jayme or I went into preterm labor. Both of our waters (the amniotic sac the baby is in) ruptured spontaneously. 

Jayme and I are so grateful, our boys are happy and healthy. Unfortunately, a lot of babies are not as lucky as they were, they either have lifelong health issues or don't make it home at all.

Jayme and I are walking in our local March of Dimes fundraiser. We started the '4Zack&Connor' team in honor of our amazing sons. We hope to raise at least $500. 

Here's a little about March of Dimes...


 ...Every year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born too soon, 53,000 of them right here in California....

In one year in the California Bay Area:

68,482 babies are born
7,002 babies are born prematurely - 10.1% of all births in the Bay Area
10,463 pregnant women receive late or no prenatal care
4,746 babies are born at a low birth weight
2,105 babies are born with a birth defect
326 babies don't live to see their first birthday

What:

March of Dimes March for Babies is the longest-running and most widely recognized walking event in the nation, generating more than $1.5 billion for the March of Dimes over its 42-year history. The fundraiser incorporated thousands of volunteers participating in a fun-filled day of walking to raise money to support lifesaving research and programs to make sure every baby gets a chance for healthy start in life. Each walker raises money from friends, family, and business associates, and then enjoys the festivities at one of our many California locations. Marches range from 1 to 10 miles, most are about 6 miles.

Who:

More than 53,000 participants throughout California are expected to raise over $9 million. Participants represent more than 900 companies, organizations, and schools.

Why:

Money raised through March for Babies enables the March of Dimes to continue its ongoing investment in lifesaving research and programs so that every parent will know the joy of a healthy newborn. Seventy-eight percent of every dollar raised goes directly to support the mission of March of Dimes.

(Source March of Dimes)

Here's how you can help...

1. If you're in our area, join our team and walk with us! It's a beautiful 4 mile walk around Spring Lake. Enjoy the festivities after the walk with us!

2. Donate to this amazing cause in honor of Zack and Connor, or in honor of someone you know born prematurely.

3. Tell your friends, family, co-workers to join and donate.

THANK YOU!!!