Walk On

The March of Dimes is a very important cause for me. I supported it long before I became a mom, and it was afterwards that I realized how important of an organization it is. My son was born premature, in respiratory distress and had a stay in the NICU. Thanks to the March of Dimes, programs are in place to help both babies in the NICU and their families. I not only donate money, but my time as well. I support events-like the Signature Chefs and the March for Babies, as well as volunteering on the Family Advisory Council at our hospital.
My family is walking this year in the March for Babies to raise money so families like ours can continue to benefit from the March of Dimes program. At our hospital, we have a Family Support Specialist-herself a NICU graduate mom-who works with the families to alleviate some of the fears a sick baby can hold. She also offers weekly classes and events for families, and coordinates keepsakes for the families.
In South Dakota, the March of Dimes has implemented a program called the Coming Blessing on several reservations to encourage Native American women to have a healthy pregnancy. They have also given grants to other community based programs throughout the state to provide needed services from Mentor Moms to Centering Pregnancy. What I love is that they put $0.75 of every $1 to their mission, so there are few questions where the money is going.
We are walking on April 27th at Augustana College as a thank you for the excellent care my son received when he was born too early.