Wednesday, March 26, 2008

March for Babies 2008

Well, here it is! It's that time of the year again, and we are looking forward to this being our best March for Babies (aka WalkAmerica) ever! We have set a lofty goal, hoping that we will be able to at least match, if not surpass last years total ($4,396.00).

Please consider supporting Team Holland and Eden in raising money for the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes leading the way in raising prematurity awareness, and in funding research aimed at prevention and treatment for babies born too soon. They have done so much already, and Holland and Eden's survival was partly due to advances in medicine made possible by the M of D.

There is, however, still so much more work that needs to be done. In this country, 120,000 babies are born prematurely every year and of those that do survive, many, including my darling girls, do so with lifelong disabilities.

Prematurity has changed my life in countless ways, some good and some bad. One of the most positive impacts that the girls' premature birth has had is instilling in me the need to DO SOMETHING to help other families in my situation. I have chosen to keep my blog, volunteer as a leader in our NICU family advisory board, and to walk for the past three years in the March for Babies to do my part. It isn't enough, but I am glad that the March of Dimes has given me the opportunity to feel like I can make a difference.

You can do your part too, by donating to this important cause that is close to my heart. Your donations, in honor of Holland and Eden, really mean so much to us!

Why do we walk?


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is a really stupid comment. so, let me just say, before i make said comment, that i am going to pledge money for your awesome team on monday (payday in our house!). in the meantime...you always look so beautiful, so pretty, so happy in the photos. i have a ten month-old with no physical challenges, and i am exhausted and look like death. you look beautiful, and i know, i am certain, that you are more tired than I. but your spirit honestly radiates. and that sounds so cheesy, but i have to tell you.

Anonymous said...

That video is beyond gorgeous! It should be on tv everyday!

Anonymous said...

The video is beautiful. If looks like you put a lot of thought into it.

Justinich Family said...

Ok, that totally brought tears to my eyes. You did an awesome job on the video, it says so much.

Shannon said...

Ben watched the video with me then said that he wanted to write Eden and Holland a note. This is what he said:

"Dear Eden and Holland,
We love you so much. Eden and Holland were at the shoe store. Mama buyed some new jumping bean shoes. We played with Eden and Holland at the shoe store. I played catch with Eden and Holland. I wrote this story.
The end"

The video is beautiful. Sigh...

Brandi said...

That was absolutely beautiful. Your daughters look amazingly happy even with their disabilities. That to me say they ahve amazing parents. I agree with the first commenter... In all the pictures you radiated happiness, as did your husband. I really hope ya raise alot of money. I'd donate, but already pledged to my daughters school group that is walking. Thank you for being out there and trying to bring awareness for all the other families who face the same struggles day to day. I have been blessed and not had to go through the trials you have, but it still breaks my heart as a mother to know that some children out there are not getting the help they need due to the parents not having the money to pay.

Fuzzy White Dogs said...

I wonder if we could get some of the local stations (I'm in Michigan too) to show that video? It is so wonderful that I think it'd be bound to move people and make them want to help. Your family is just beautiful, and like anonymous said, you radiate happiness in the photos even in the most difficult times. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Hi Billie & John,
Very, very seldom do I comment! But, I have been waiting for "this time of year" to come upon us...I do not have a lot of money to donate at this time, however, I would LOVE to walk with you...or for Team Holland & Eden! I have been so gratefully watching you beautiful angels grow...and I just have to say, that yours and their optimism and dedication to strive and succeed...is so incredibly exhilirating!!! If you could, I know I have you on myspace...could you somehow, get me the information I would need to know when & where to go, to walk...to support this WONDERFUL & AMAZING CAUSE! I would greatly appreciate it!
Carrie Moore

winecat said...

Billie, John, Holland and Eden, I've watched you all grow over the time I've been reading your blog. I. AM. SO. INCREDIBLY. IMPRESSED. WITH. ALL. FOUR. OF. YOU.

You are funny, brave, stubborn, delightful and inspiring. Good luck on the walk. Hope my donation helps just a little bit.

love to you all
Cathy (usually winecat, but I felt this needed my real name)

Anonymous said...

LOVELY video! Perfect.

(Oh and P.S. The shoes are Mudd and I got them at a Shoe Carnival, but I think they sell them at tons of dept. stores. I pictured them on you and they fit like a glove! :)

Meg Weaver said...

Hi Billie,

I have a fundraising/raffle idea for you. Please e-mail me at dzaackML7820 at gmail dot com so that I can explain my idea without clogging up your blog.

~Megan

Nitesister said...

OMG! Holland in her glasses is "Little Billie!" I have never noticed before.
Splendid video, utterly brilliant and professional.

Unknown said...

OMG that is such an AWESOME and inspiring video!!!!

I am also walking in the March for Babies this year in Utica NY. This is my first year. My niece had a baby boy delivered via Emergency c-section at 25 weeks. He weighed only 12.5 ounces or about 354 grams. He will be 5 months old Saturday and is still in NICU. Thank you so much for posting your video, your girls are beautiful!

stevryn (AKA G-Auntie Tammy to Braelyn Makhi Tucker)

Kathryn said...

Billie that is an awesome montage. It made me cry. The girls have come so far!

Anonymous said...

Simply beautiful.