Why We Walk: Wendy

My favorite thing about March for Babies is getting to hear people's personal reasons for walking. It's too easy to get distracted and overwhelmed by the fundraising aspects if you don't take the time to define for yourself why you're walking and why the March of Dimes research and programs are important to you. Everyone has a reason, and it can be the difference in driving you towards your goal and making it fun! I'm happy to share the first of our "Why We Walk" stories, by Team Bambini walker Wendy.

"Nathan and Dallin were born eight weeks early. The boys were affected by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) during the pregnancy. Dallin weighed 4 pounds 3 ounces and Nathan was just a tiny little thing at 2 pounds 11 ounces."

Nathan

Dallin

"Their time in the intensive care nursery (also known as the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU) was stressful and worrisome but they were very well taken care of. We appreciated all of the experienced doctors and nurses. Nathan was born with two holes in his heart which made it difficult for him to grow. He was transferred to a different hospital than where he and Dallin were born to be cared for until his open-heart surgery. Dallin stayed in the NICU at the hospital where they were born. It was difficult emotionally as well as logistically to have the boys at different hospitals. Every day we would drive to see both of the boys and spend time with them separately. Dallin learned to eat and was thriving so was able to come home after seven weeks. Nathan had surgery when he was two months old. The surgery was successful. He spent a few more weeks at the hospital learning to eat and recovering. He was finally able to come home and be reunited with his brother after 11 long weeks in the NICU."

The most amazing thing about Nathan and Dallin's story is to compare the photos of them when they were born to where they are today!

The first photo of Nathan in the NICU (next to the teddy bear) is a perfect visual connection to an item the March of Dimes uses a lot to raise awareness: the preemie diaper. Some of you Team Bambini walkers either have or may have seen the "Size Does Matter" preemie diapers we use to illustrate the gravity of premature birth. After seeing one for the first time almost everyone says, "Are those real? Does that really fit a baby?" Now, hold that diaper in your hand, and imagine baby Nathan wearing it. As you can see, it was actually too big for him! And look at both of them now - happy, healthy, and smiling!

Be sure to say hello to Wendy, Dallin, and Nathan at the walk and give these guys a high five!

If anyone else would like to share a "Why We Walk" story, please email it to me and I'll post it to the blog right away. Just a paragraph or two with photos will help us get to know each other, remind us of the varied benefits of walking, and motivate the entire team. Huge thanks to Wendy for sharing!