Last week, with friends and family along, I participated in the annual March of Dimes walk in Cincinnati. This was our third year being involved in the walk and is something very important to my wife, Jennifer, and I.
The March of Dimes is a wonderful organization raising money for research, awareness and support of premature births, working to see more full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. While a great organization and one we are now proud to partner with, Jennifer and I never could have imagined the path that brought us to these yearly walks.
On March 5, 2013, Jennifer, having a normal, healthy pregnancy went into pre-term labor at 21 weeks. Upon arrival at the hospital and amidst our confusion and prayers, we learned nothing could be done to stop the labor. In the early hours of March 6, 2013, Jennifer delivered our twins, Baylor James and Scarlett Drew. We left the hospital empty handed. We were confused, broken and devastated.
While we will never be completely healed, through many prayers and the support of friends and family, we stand strong today. We had a successful full term pregnancy and our daughter, Amelia, was born in July of 2014. We now participate and raise money for the March of Dimes walk every year in memory of our twins, with the hope that others won't have to experience and go through the nightmare we lived. Unfortunately, too many pregnancies don't go to full term and hearts are broken every day.
This year, there was a 5k prior to the walk that Jennifer and I completed. We have done 5k's in the past and have been training (as much as possible) recently. This one was a little different, with a purpose and providing some extra motivation.
After the run, we walked a similar route with our friends and families who have been there every step of the way. Following the walk, we always enjoy the vendors and activities for the kids. The March of Dimes does a great job with this event each year and we are glad to support and contribute to helping families who unfortunately find themselves with similar stories as ours.
Children are a gift and a blessing. No family should have to leave the hospital empty handed.
