March for Babies

It's amazing how a tragedy can inspire and motivate us to do something special and extraordinary.

Last year our family became involved in the March of Dimes. I hope to always stay involved with this organization as a way to carry on the memory of my girls. For those of you who are not familiar with the March of Dimes, they are an organization to help improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. There is a link on my sidebar to their page. Please check them out.

We have been fortunate enough to really get involved in doing what we can to help. I want to become more involved as time goes on and as I see fit. Last year was our first real fundraiser and we participated in March for Babies. We gathered together good friends and family who wanted to help us raise money in memory of Grace and Olivia and in honor of Betsy. We had an overwhelming response. I raised over $1100! It was so overwhelming to see so many people give their all for my girls. Some of these people obviously never met my girls and it was amazing to me that they would pour their hearts out to help.

The funds we raise go towards March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates who work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight. I am so proud to be a part of this and to possibly prevent anything like what I went to from happening to other families. If I can even save ONE baby, it would be worth every penny in my bank account. Thinking about another family grieveing the premature loss of their infant is just too much to bear.

Our group was called "Team Betsy"...naturally!



There was quite a few of us that gathered to walk last year. Unfortunately the actual walk got rained out last year, but it was a joy to still gather together with everyone. I got very emotional walking in and seeing all these people who were here just for my girls. It was amazing...just so heartwarming.



We even won Best T-shirt contest!!
Here is our shirt (front and back)





So this year we are so excited to be doing this walk/fundraiser again. I am hoping we have the same turnout as last year and I hope people will be just as supportive in years to come. This is an organization that has become very near and dear to my heart and I hope you all will help us out.

Please visit my team page and donate if you can. If you live in the area please join us in walking on May 8 in honor of my girls and all babies born prematurely. It will be in the morning so it won't take much of your time.
Here is the link to my team page:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/perezmommy

If you are going to sign up to walk then it will ask you to make a personal page. You don't have to do anything but just fill in the appropriate information and make a "goal" for yourself. You can make your goal anything...even $20. Then you can ask your co-workers or friends to sponsor you in the walk and help you raise money. All the money you raise will go towards our entire Team Betsy goal!!

Thanks for helping and I hope to see you at the walk!