Become A March of Dimes Volunteer Advocate And Make A Difference

Advocate That Made a Difference: Highlight Volunteer Advocate Jill Wood

Jill and her husband were joyfully celebrating the healthy birth of their first daughter. But her first night home from the hospital, the baby died. The autopsy found that she had an undiagnosed metabolic birth defect. Jill and her husband converted their pain and loss into action. In 2002, Jill testified before Congress in support of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act (.PDF, 14KB). In 2008, the bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush. As a result, in 2010, national guidelines for newborn screening were issued to promote the screening of all babies for life-threatening, identifiable, but treatable, disorders in every state.

Many families have compelling stories that they can share to make changes to improve the quality of healthcare for all babies. By becoming a volunteer advocate, you can help the March of Dimes in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies. As volunteer advocate, you could share your story on our website, testify before government officials, speak publicly at events, and speak to the media reporters about how your story relates to the March of Dimes public affairs agenda. Each story has a powerful message and we want you to be able to tell yours. Every story matters to us. To find out more about becoming a volunteer advocate contact: Dona Dei (ddei@marchofdimes.com)

The March of Dimes Public Affairs agenda focuses on public policies and programs that relate to the Foundation’s mission of improving the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Listed are the issues requiring participation by local March of Dimes chapters:

• Access to health coverage for women of child bearing age, infants, and children
• Research funding to prevent prematurity, birth defects, and infant mortality
• Prevention and treatment to improve maternal, infant, and child health
• Institutional concerns pertaining to tax-exempt organizations
By establishing a short list of advocacy issue priorities, all chapters and the National Office will be able to speak with one voice about the Foundation’s legislative and regulatory agenda. To fined our more visit the March of Dimes Advocacy Center.





Heather Kane
hkane@marchofdimes.com

NICU Graduate Shirts

Help support the March of Dimes by purchasing these products for your pehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrsonal use or give as gifts to family and friends. With every purchase you make, a portion of the proceeds directly benefits the March of Dimes.

Many of you have asked were you can get NICU Graduate shirts and sweatshirts for your children and the whole family. They also have bibs, receiving blankets, and cute cuddly bears. To find all the great March of Dimes products check out it out at http://www.awarenessproductsonline.com/mod_individual. You can also still order Family Team Merchandise at http://eagraphics.com/familyteamoptions.






Heather Kane
Hkane@marchofdimes.com

1st Annual United SC Poker Tournament benefiting the March of Dimes

Hosted by United Soccer Club,
2011 Virginia 0ver 30 State Champions
4 Time Final 4 National Finalists
Partnered with Northern Virginia Soccer League (NVSL)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Date: July 23rd
Time: 3pm-10pm
Location: 1757 Golf Club
45120 Waxpool Road
Dulles, VA 20166
Register at : http://www.golfinvite.com/MODCharityPoker

• Registration is NOW OPEN!!!!
• Seating is limited
• Seats are purchased on a first come, first served basis
• Cash bar and full menu will be in available during the event.
• Long drive Challenge on the driving range
• Table Sponsor spaces are available for purchase

Poker Tournament Details
• Registration starts at 2 PM, and Tournament starts at 3 PM
• $100 Buy-in 4700 in chips to start if you register before July 1st *online or checks
• $120 Buy-in 4000 in chips to start if you register after July 1st *online or checks or walk-in
• $60 (1)Add-on at registration time (extra 3000 in chips)
• $40 (1)Add-on during tournament but before first break (extra 2000 in chips)
• $75 (1)Re-buy allowed before first break only after knocked out (3500 in chips)

Heather Kane
hkane@marchofdimes.com

Thank You Baltimore Family Teams!!

The Greater Baltimore March for Babies was held on Saturday, May 14th at Camden Yards. Despite inclement weather, approximately 4,000 walkers convened for a 4 mile walk through beautiful and historic South Baltimore. Many of the walkers consisted of corporations and organizations, but, what is most impressive, is that almost half of our supporters come from our Family Teams and their supporters. The Family Teams really make our Baltimore event special, they have amazing shirts in honor and in memory of their babies, they are always full of energy and passion and reflect the true mission of the March of Dimes. We truly appreciate all of the support the Greater Baltimore area commits to the March of Dimes and look forward to future years of supporting the health of babies together.

To see more pictures from the Baltimore March for Babies check our Facebook.

Jen Tarr at jtarr@marchofdimes.com

Dulles Greenway’s Sixth Annual Drive for Charity

In 2011, the Drive for Charity is Thursday May 19th and we are working with the following five charities and the Dulles Greenway Scholarship program to share in the distribution of the Drive for Charity’s one-day revenues:


• The March of Dimes (National Capital Area chapter)
• Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO)
• Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS)
• FreshAir/Full Care
• Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
• Dulles Greenway Citizenship Award

Dulles Greenway Scholarships
Education is a foundation for the future and the Dulles Greenway has long recognized the up and coming shining stars in Loudoun County. In 2000, we established the annual Dulles Greenway Citizenship Award, a scholarship to assist graduating seniors from Loudoun public high schools.

The Dulles Greenway Citizenship Award was designed to commend and reward those students who consistently reflect excellence in character and who have demonstrated their leadership skills by making a positive contribution to the community. We are proud to have provided scholarships for 91 Loudoun County Students, with at least one student from each of the County’s twelve High Schools. The Dulles Greenway will continue to work with Loudoun County schools and support the future of education.


For more information contact: Tina Cavucci

March of Dimes Golf for Babies

Enjoy a day of golf, contests and awards during the 30th annual March of Dimes Golf for Babies Monday, June 13, at Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria, Va.

Golf for Babies begins with a shotgun start at noon and includes 18 holes of golf, awards reception and live and silent auctions. Auction items include a threesome of golf with PGA President Allen Wronowski, weekend getaways, restaurant meals, sports memorabilia and tickets and suites to area sporting events.

Angie Goff of WUSA9 News Now will serve as mistress of ceremonies at the awards reception.

To register as a team and pay online, click Register Now. To learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tina Cavucci at (703) 824-0111, ext. 20.

Proceeds from Golf for Babies will fund March of Dimes programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to help save babies.


REGISTER NOW


Schedule:
10:30 a.m.: Registration

11 a.m.: Lunch

Noon: Shotgun start

5:30 p.m.: Cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and awards program

Join us at New York J&P Pizza in Finksburg to support the March of Dimes

Celebrate before or after the Baltimore March for Babies by treating yourself to some great food!

Date: Friday, May 13th AND Saturday, May 14th
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Place: New York J&P Pizza - Finksburg
3000 Gamber Road
Finksburg, MD 21048
(410) 861-8841
www.newyorkjandppizza.com
(Dine-In, Carryout, Delivery)

March of Dimes will earn 15% of the fundraiser’s total sales.

Courtney.thompson@gmail.com
Team: Faith, Hope & GRACE

Meet Paul Daniel

My pregnancy with Paul seemed like a normal pregnancy. We were very happy when we found out we were expecting; everything was going so well, although I did tend to worry a lot. I was a preemie (32 weeks), so I always worried about something happening. I had an occasional problem here and there, but it wasn’t a big deal. A red flag for me was not gaining weight. I lost a total of 13lbs while I was pregnant. My "problems" were always brushed off as me being a worried first time mom.

May 10th started off as every other day. I got up and went to work as a federal officer at NASA. Throughout the day I had cramps that kept getting worse and worse. I kept brushing them off, but one of my fellow officers encouraged me to call my OB, so I did. He said it was ok. I got off of work and went home to lay down hoping the pain would stop. It didn't. I woke up, and the pain was worse-cramps about 2-4 minutes apart-and I had these weird urge to "push". My husband and I rushed to Holy Cross Hospital where we arrived after 30 minutes in rush hour traffic. I was taken to triage; I was so confused and scared. The hooked me up to monitors, but the monitors picked up no contractions at all. I will never forget the look on the doctor’s and the words that came out of his mouth "Get her to L&D stat, she is fully dilated and I see the baby’s head". At this point we were in complete shock. All I could think was “why me, why us?” But they kept reassuring me; everyone was trying to stay strong for me.

As they were prepping me for delivery they lost his heart beat. They found it again by time we got to the OR; he was in distress and they had to perform an emergency cesarean.

I remember waking up in recovery with my OB standing over me. The first thing I said was “Is my baby ok, is he alive?” I was so relieved when he said; “Yes he is in the NICU and stable.” Paul Daniel was born May 10, 2007 at 10:06 PM - 14 weeks early. He was 1lb 13.9oz and 12 3/4 inches long. The first time I met my son was 3 days later, Mother’s day. The next 80 days were a blur, some I wish not to remember. Paul did well, at 12 hours old he was extubated and did well for about a week, then he went in to full respiratory failure. They told us he was not going to make it through the weekend; words we never wanted to hear. We were so scared, depressed, hurting. We just wanted to help our baby, we would have done anything and everything we could to keep him with us. We had him baptized. For about two weeks he went back and forth, up and down, good days, bad days. Eventually he made a complete turn around and was extubated for good. From there it was mostly up hill. Finally after those 80- days he came home. He came with oxygen and an apnea monitor, but it was the best day of our lives; we were so relieved. The happiness was short lived when Paul quit breathing and turned blue. He had to be rushed to Children’s Hospital by ambulance where he stayed for 8 days. After that hospital stay it was all up hill improving more and more every day.

Paul is now a healthy, happy almost 4 year old. He does suffer from chronic lung disease, asthma, reflux and obstructive sleep apnea. He also has ear tubes from chronic ear infections. He is caught up developmentally.

To this day we still do not know why he was born early, but since then we have had another child who is now 14 months old. I found out with my second child that I have incompetent cervix. I was able to carry him to 37 weeks with the help of a cerclage, 20 weeks of strict bed rest and the 17P shot.

Paul has exceeded so many people’s expectations. We are so blessed to have him with us here today.




Heather Kane hkane@marchofdimes.com

Prince George’s County March for Babies

The rain didn't dampen the spirits of participants in the 2011 Prince George's County March for Babies on April 16. Making its first appearance at this walk: The Mama & Baby Bus, which will begin service in Prince George's County in August 2011. Read more about the bus at Click Here

Thanks to all the Family Teams that came out and enjoyed a walk in the rain!!

Check out more photos on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150159049919684.302593.45923939683

What to Expect on March for Babies Day

March for Babies Day is a fun-filled, family-oriented event. This is a day of celebration of all babies: those born healthy, those struggling to thrive and those who didn't go home. Below are a few frequently asked questions. Your team captain will receive a special e-mail from the March of Dimes with site-specific information.

1. What should walkers wear?
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (in layers to accommodate temperature changes), cotton or wool socks, and walking or tennis shoes.

2. What happens if it rains?
Toss an umbrella in the trunk of your car. March for Babies takes place rain or shine. If it rains and it would be dangerous to walk, the route will be shortened.

3. What time do I need to arrive?
Check-in and registration begins one hour before the walk. But if you've already turned in your money on Bank Day or did all of your fundraising online, come at least 30 minutes early to enjoy the stage program. Walk start times vary by site.

4. What do I do with my cash and check donations?
If you're walking with a team, ask your team captain about turning in cash and checks before walk day. If you're an individual walker, bring the monies with you to the walk or contact your local office for a special mailing address.

5. Can I bring my children in strollers?
The March of Babies wouldn't be a celebration without children and strollers. All of the routes are on stroller-friendly paths.

6. Are there checkpoints or snacks along the route?
There are checkpoints along the route that will provide rest, refreshments and information. Most will have water and some even have a snack.

7. Can I bring my dog?
March for Babies events are held at a variety of sites, including public parks and private property. If you are considering bringing man's best friend, please contact your local office for possible restrictions. Please consider the breed of your pet and that babies and small children will be at March for Babies.

8. Will there be children's activities at my walk site?
We encourage all walkers to bring their children to March for Babies. Children's activities, which vary by site, include face painting, games, bounce houses and the Fun Bus.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your local March of Dimes office.

Do you want to learn how to fundraise online through e-mail and Facebook or how to get your team re-registered for 2011?

Join one of the free conference call web meetings to learn more!
Each call will include: How to sign back up / Engage fellow team members / Fundraise online / Using Facebook and widgets
• Tuesday, April 19 call will start at 8:15pm*
o Call in 800-411-7650 then enter code 90360#
o Click Here to launch web meeting program at 8pm or after


• Wednesday, April 20 call will start at 8:15pm*
o Call in 800-411-7650 then enter code 90659#
o Click Here to launch web meeting program at 8pm or after

* We recommend logging in to the web meeting system between 8 and 8:15pm to ensure a connection.

* All times listed are eastern daylight savings time
Thanks again for all you do!

Heather Kane

March for Babies Bank Days

Bank Day is a great opportunity for you to turn in your team’s money and to pick up your team member’s T-Shirts. Coming to Bank Day allows you to enjoy March for Babies without handling money or standing in line for registration.
Look below for a bank location and time that works for you.
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Harford County

Allegany County

Wicomico County

Thursday, April 14, 2011
Prince George’s County

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
St. Mary’s County

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Washington County
Caroline County

Thursday, April 28, 2011
Montgomery County
Charles County
Frederick County
Prince William County

Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Worcester County

Thursday, May 5, 2011
Loudoun County
Washington, D.C.

Thursday, May 12, 2011
Fairfax County

Team Captains will receive detailed information from their staff liaison, however if you have specific questions, please contact your staff liaison or Heather Kane at hkane@marchofdimes.com.

Brayden Hurley Hatchett

September 29, 2008 – October 21, 2008
2 Pounds 9 Ounces
15 Inches Long

On April 24, 2008 we were elated when we found out we were expecting our first child due December 22, 2008. Things were going well until our 20 week sonogram at which time they noticed that my cervix was funneling. I was put on strict bed rest at home.

The next weeks we faced day-by-day just hoping for one more week to pass. Nine weeks later on a Friday my water broke. After rushing home from work my husband picked me up and we headed straight to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Immediately I was given the first round of corticosteroid shot and was lucky enough to receive the second shot 24 hours later to help develop our son’s lungs.

On Monday, September 29, 2008 at 9:08p.m. our son was delivered via emergency c-section. He was perfect. All 10 fingers and toes, lots of dark hair and such a perfect smile. He was everything we had prayed and hoped for our son.

On Brayden’s 18th day of life I found blood in his stole when changing his diaper. After showing the NICU nurse they ordered a set of chest xrays. The results showed that Brayden had an infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel. This disease is none as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and affects only 1 in every 2,000 – 4,000 births.

The next three days were a blur during which time Brayden was emergency evacuated to John Hopkins Hospital where we had planned for him to undergo surgery to prevent the intestine from perforation. Taking a turn for the worst, Brayden was not strong enough for surgery. His body was so weak and his chest so extended.

As we sat by his bedside discussing what his quality of life would be if he were to recover from this disease and ultimately trying to make the hardest decision of our life to remove our son from life support. He used all his might to open his little eyes one last time, squeezed his father’s finger and joined the other Angel Babies in heaven.

We felt the most painful emotions anyone can experience but at the same time had a sigh of relief that Brayden made his own choose to meet God. Now 2 ½ years later we are ready to explore options on how we can grow our family and provide Brayden with a brother or sister.

Brayden will always hold a special place in our hearts and will be a big brother to a little sister or brother one day.



Brayden Hurley Hatchett


hkane@marchofdimes.com

April is Fundraising Month for March of Dimes at Cornerstone Antiques in Timonium

April is Fundraising Month for March of Dimes Help March of Dimes earn up to $1,000 from Cornerstone Antiques, Consignments and New Home Furnishings HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: SHOP AT CORNERSTONE ANYTIME DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL SIMPLY TELL THE CASHIER THAT YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR THE MARCH OF DIMES AND WE WILL EARN 10% OF THE TOTAL SALES UP TO $1,000! YOU CAN ALSO HELP US EARN $5.00 PER PERSON TOWARDS OUR $1,000 GOAL BY SIMPLY VISITING CORNERSTONE AND LEAVING YOUR NAME AS A SUPPORTER OF THE MARCH OF DIMES (SO BRING A FRIEND!) – NO PURCHASES NECESSARY! Cornerstone Antiques, Consignments & New Home Furnishings 2175 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093 410.561.3767 Baltimore’s favorite place to shop for fine estate furniture by quality makers such as Potthast, Henkel Harris, Biggs, Baker and others new furniture by Bradington Young, Craftmaster and more home furnishings including silver, china, lamps, rugs, mirrors, collectibles and artwork For directions, store hours, and to see pictures of their inventory visit their website: http://www.onlycornerstone.com/ Courtney Thompson Courtney.thompson@gmail.com Team: Faith, Hope & GRACE

Honor or memorialize your children in our Family Team scrapbooks

Scrapbook Pages
Would you like your family team to be represented in the scrapbooks that are displayed at March for Babies? These scrapbooks have been a huge success and we would like to continue to add more family’s stories. We are inviting all of our Family Teams to create a page to add to our book, or update an existing page. These scrapbooks show all of our walkers who they are walking for, which are families like yours!

Send your completed 12” x 12” page to
Heather Kane at March of Dimes
2700 S. Quincy St., Suite 220
Arlington, VA 22206.

Or bring to the Family Teams/Mission Tent at the March for Babies..
For more information, contact Heather Kane at hkane@marchofdimes.com

Meet Team Taylor Tots

Taylor Jean Wackrow
Born: November 30,2009
Gestational Age: 28 weeks
Weight: 3lbs 1 oz

My name is Jocelyn and my husband is Jonathan. We have two sons Hunter age 5 and Carter age 4. We were blessed in June 2009 to find out we were having another baby due in February 2010. We have had 10 pregnancies and have 3 children. All three were premature. My sons were born 34 & 33 weeks so we knew that this pregnancy probably would not be full term. In both cases I had preeclampsia and had to be delivered via emergency c-sections. We were lucky that the boys had no major preemie problems.

My first trimester was fine, but as soon as the second trimester began the doctors were monitoring me everyday and then it happened, preeclampsia again! I was sick alot sooner then in the past and my doctors were giving me shots for Taylor's lungs. I was 27 weeks when I was admitted to the hospital and 4 days later I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome which is a variant of preeclampsia. My survival and Taylors depended on delivery. I begged them to wait and to let me keep her inside just a little longer but she was born via emergency c-section November 30th. A 28 weeker! I never thought I would be so sick of hearing that term.

It was a few days before my husband could wheel me into the NICU to meet our daughter. That first moment when you see your baby hooked up to machines and tubes and wires and watching them fight for every breath is overwhelming. The guilt I felt for failing my daughter because I was sick was unbelievable. We then had to leave the hospital without our daughter and start being NICU parents instead of newborn parents.

Everyday for months we had highs and lows and were given the NICU motto of two steps forward and one step back. After a few months we were told that Taylor would be coming home on a monitor with a visiting nurse. We were thrilled and nervous. Taylor was discharged and readmitted 4 times and also transferred from one hospital to another with a total of 139 days in the NICU.

Here we are hard to believe a year and a half later and Taylor is now a NICU graduate! She is still working very hard with her PT and OT. And she is off her monitor. She continues to thrive and we are so very proud of her. And that is why we are Team Taylor Tot!



Heather Kane hkane@marchofdimes.com

Quarter Throw Down

Vendor Quarter Auction w/ the FUN BUNCH

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall / Leonardtown, MD
Benefits March of Dimes Walk- In Memory of Mason Maggio Team
Doors Open at 1:00PM / Auction begins at 2:00PM
Christine- tomboychristine09@gmail.com or Lisa- lisa_josh0899@yahoo.com

Tickets are $3 each and include door prize ticket and 1 paddle
Additional paddles available at the door for $3 each

ALL ADVANCED TICKETS WILL BE HELD AT THE DOOR – You can pick up your tickets at the door.

You will receive confirmation of your ticket order via email or phone.
Thank you for purchasing your ticket in advance!

Jennifer Abell jabell@marchofdimes.com

Spread the Word

Help us get the word out about March for Babies and promote your own Family Team online and offline.

Fundraising badges

Log in to get personal fundraising badges for your e-mail signature, blog or Facebook page

Facebook application

Put the “fun” in your fundraising. Show off your success and get your friends talking about March for Babies.

Animated e-card

Add your photo and message to our animated e-card for a fun way to ask for support.

Banners

Pick your size and add one to your website, blog or Facebook page.

Heather Kane hkane@marchofdimes.com