I FINALLY got in touch with the area director for the March of Dimes. We're going to meet to discuss my fundraising/marketing ideas.
NOBODY around here knew about WalkAmerica - there was NO publicity except for the MOD website. I tried to get the local media to cover it, but they ignored me (since I'm just one person). If more people had known, we could have raised more money. I also think that more needs to be done throughout the year to raise money for research (and I've got plans).
I've noticed that all of their ambassador families are people whose babies survived. I think they could reach a totally different/sympathetic audience if they also pointed out that some babies die (I want to get Rivi's story out there), and that breakthroughs are necessary to save some of these babies. Before Rivi, I remember reading stories about prematurity and assuming that the babies would be fine after medical intervention. Now I know that's not true, but the general public still DOESN'T! Yes, we've done a lot, but more still needs to be done.
So we're getting together next month for dinner to figure this all out. I'm so excited!!!
__________________ Dominici was born May 2006!
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Miracle Baby Boy Rivelino, born too early to live on October 6, 2004 at 24 weeks and 6 days. Never to be forgotten, always to be remembered, forever my source of inspiration.
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Viv, congratulations! I know you have a lot to share with them and I'm so excited that you finally get the chance to do it! Keep us posted on how things go...I'm proud of you chickadee!
Wow, Viv... that's really great!!! You're right - the public does need a LOT of education about pregnancy and infant loss. So many people asked me "Why couldn't they do anything to save him?" about Gabriel... and I hate having to explain that he was too young
I'm impressed that you took the initiative and called them. I'd be too chicken. Good for you!
Adrianne, "I hate having to explain that he was too young."
I hate having to explain that they DID try, and he was totally infected/septic due to IC. That makes me feel like I was a walking cesspool of bacteria (even though I know that ANY bacteria in there would cause problems). I've started saying that he was too young. It's easier and often ends the conversation (and the awkwardness).
People don't know that the statistics aren't good for micro preemies. Some people respond to the shock value of the awful truth. I think you'll be a huge help, and I'm very proud of you for even trying, Viv. There are true gems in this forum.
__________________ Metformin 1500mg, Yasmin, managing IR/pcos with lower carbs
First pregnancy ended at 23 weeks due to incompetent cervix.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Mary Catherine will be in our hearts forever, November 28, 2003.
Second loss March 9, 2004 at five weeks
Third pregnancy, Cerclage at 13w
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Duncan 2/11/05, 9lb 3oz
Fourth pregnancy, Cerclage at 13w
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ruby 2/27/06, 9lbs
Good going viv! If it wasn't for you, we would have never known about Walkamerica! Thanks again!
My husband and I recently received awards from MOD for raising funds for Walkamerica. We each got a plaque and we got one for TEAM Matthew Illyas because of the amount of money we raised as a team. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the function because I was sick. But when they came in the mail and I opened the team plaque with Matthew's name on it...i had nothing but tears...sad and happy ones!
Diana, that's so awesome. We got medallions on blue ribbons when we walked. The people who've lost get those, and there were only four people wearing them! Me, Russell and another couple (theirs were on pink ribbons). They've gone on to have another baby now. During the walk, we were all together, and the little boy was getting antsy and said, "Why are we walking so far?" (he was in a stroller). His Mom just said, we're walking for your sister because she died and can't walk. I cried for the rest of the walk.
Oy, now you've got me crying. I'm getting photos printed off to show my support group tomorrow night, and this quick check-in got me pre-teary eyed for the project. I know that each of us is at a different place in our lives, and sometimes that can separate us, but truly we are all cysters and understand each other. Thanks for walking for all of our babies, gals. I sure wish they were walking with us... (((Hugs)))
__________________ Metformin 1500mg, Yasmin, managing IR/pcos with lower carbs
First pregnancy ended at 23 weeks due to incompetent cervix.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Mary Catherine will be in our hearts forever, November 28, 2003.
Second loss March 9, 2004 at five weeks
Third pregnancy, Cerclage at 13w
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Duncan 2/11/05, 9lb 3oz
Fourth pregnancy, Cerclage at 13w
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ruby 2/27/06, 9lbs
March of Dimes update - Woohoo! 
