Why I Walk Wednesday: Jaxon

At 33 weeks, Jaxon’s mother discovered that she was leaking amniotic fluid. She was admitted to the hospital and put on an IV antibiotic to prevent an infection to Jaxon. The hope was to delay Jaxon’s arrival until 35 weeks. However, he was delivered by emergency C-section within 4 hours. Jaxon’s dad was able to see him briefly before he was taken to the NICU for unstable oxygen levels. He was put on a C-PAP because he could not breathe on his own, and he was in an incubator to help control his temperature. His liver was also not functioning correctly. Jaxon’s parents spent as many hours as possible by his side. Thanks to the wonderful care in the NICU, along with the kangaroo care and breast milk he received, Jaxon was able to come home after only 16 days. Jaxon may only measure in the 5th percentile for his age, but he is now a happy, healthy, and inquisitive little boy. Jaxon and his family look forward to seeing you and your teammates at March for Babies this year.

Why I Walk Wednesday: Tristan

Premature delivery was anticipated for Tristan, so his mother was given a round of drugs to develop his lungs and she had blood drawn three days a week. Tristan had a high heart rate, and the doctors were attempting to treat him in utero by administering drugs to his mother. After visiting the specialist for a weekly blood draw on July 3, Tristan’s mother was told to go to the hospital immediately. Tristan's heart was no longer responding to the drugs and fluid was beginning to build up around his heart. On July 4, Tristan was delivered by C-section at 30 weeks gestation. The delivery was uneventful, and after showing Tristan to his mother, he was whisked away to the NICU.

The first few days were vital because no regiment of medicine was helping Tristan get better, causing a code blue to be called multiple times. About three days later, they were able to stabilize him. Tristan required surgery to correct a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and eleven days after his birth, he had his first surgery. The next few weeks were challenging as Tristan went through tests, which revealed that his blood was abnormal and there was concern of no audible function in his right ear. Tristan developed jaundice, was sedated, and had to have four blood transfusions. As the weeks passed, even though the test results were not always favorable, he started to eat better and gain weight.

Despite the adversity he faced within the first few years of his life, Tristan has grown into an intelligent, perceptive, and loving boy. Tristan participates in March for Babies each year with his team Tristan’s Trotters. Join your local March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. 

Did Somebody Say Yogurt?

This Saturday (5/4), Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Rockville, MD is donating a portion of their sales to the March of Dimes. Just present the flyer below at checkout either by smartphone or a hard copy and enjoy your treat while helping babies. Why not splurge -- after all you walked a few miles at March for Babies!