Marching with Marion

Our daughter Marion was born at Piedmont Hospital on June 17th, 2014 at at 25 weeks and 5 days, weighing 1.8pounds.  Babies born that early are called "micropreemies", and have a 50-70% chance of survival.  Marion spent 111 days in the Piedmont NICU, where she fought through setbacks like Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, and a surgery on her heart for Patent Ductus Arteriosus.  I can rattle off a laundry list of other big, scary medical words we learned during her stay, but what I just want to convey is that throughout much of the early months of her time there, Marion's health was in critical condition.  She fought for everything, and triumphed.  It's no small thing to come into the world over three months early-every ounce she gained, every bit of progress she made while she worked to be able to breathe on her own was a battle.

The reason we are participating in the March of Dimes is because I can tell you from first-hand experience that this foundation does it's part in funding the research and development of procedures and drugs that save the lives of babies like our little wonder every day.  I sought out support on the March of Dimes website when I was overwhelmed and frightened, and there I saw hope and the stories of others who have been through it. 

I'm not asking for a record-breaking fundraiser.  I'm just asking for you to invest in a badass T-shirt to show your love and support for our little Warrior.  Not only will you look cool (because, let's face it, fundraiser shirts can be uuuuuugly) but you'll show that you care about a cause that is close to the hearts of everyone who plays a part in the health of premature infants.  So, c'mon-do lil babies a solid!