Walking for Max (and Molly!)

Ever since Max was born, I've wanted to participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. We've been so blessed with our babies that I wanted to pay it forward and help the March of Dimes in their fight against prematurity. I wasn't able to make the first walk, because it was held shortly after Max came home from the hospital. Last year I was in the midst of a difficult pregnancy and wasn't able to walk either. This year, however, we're walking!

The March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes. The MOD supported research on surfactant therapy -- a treatment that Max received shortly after birth and which helped his underdeveloped lungs function with assistance. They continue to support research into the hows and whys of premature birth, so future babies might be spared what Max and (to a lesser extent) Molly went through. We still don't know why they came so early, but we hope that the MOD will help find some answers so that other families can be spared the hard times that we endured.

Premature birth is the number one cause of death in newborns and is growing at an alarming rate. In an average week in Michigan:

- 307 babies are born preterm (Less then 37 weeks)
- 52 babies are born very preterm (Less then 32 weeks)
- 208 babies are born low birthweight (Less then 5 1/2 lbs)
- 40 babies born very low birthweight (Less then 3 1/3 lbs)

I look at my babies and know that I am very fortunate to have them here, safe and sound. Every baby and every parent deserves that happy ending. Please consider making a donation to our family team -- every little bit helps (they even accept PayPal). Plus, it would really help cheer up Max to know that you're supporting his team (look at those pleading eyes). ;) Weather permitting, he and Molly will be joining us, although it looks like Max might be riding along in his wheelchair instead of doing any walking himself! To visit our team page and make a donation, click here.