This past Saturday we gathered together for Maddie and all the other babies the March of Dimes strives to help.
We put on our purple and our Maddie shirts, and we marched.
(although, some of us had to roll, thanks to doctor’s orders)
Sitting in the chair was a unique experience. It was humbling to rely on others to help me, but I was incredibly thankful that there was no shortage of people offering to push me (and often Annie, who preferred my lap to her stroller). It was definitely the easiest 5K I’ve ever completed. I barely broke a sweat!
Being the in the chair also gave me the opportunity to look at the people walking around us. Some were walking with their former preemies. Others were walking in memory of them. Seeing other families literally walking the same path only makes me more determined to help end prematurity.
I hope Annie and her brother and all of their friends only hear about prematurity in the past tense.
Thank you to everyone who came from near and far to walk with us, to those who walked in spirit, and to those of you who donated to our team. Words cannot express how much your support means to us, but your gestures and sacrifices for our family and others like our are vastly appreciated. Thank you for making a difference.
Alexandra says:
Aww so happy for you guys wish I could have been there.
Erin says:
I would not even consider anything less….Your Maddie gave me the strength to fight for and support my Jayden. I couldn’t have done it without you guys (and neither could he)
Auntie_M says:
I too hope that prematuratey is some day soon a thing of the past!
Out of curiosity, can we still give in Maddie’s name after the event?
XO~M
Heather says:
yes! You can donate through June, I believe!
Auntie_M says:
Great! Thanks!
Love seeing all those wonderful people honoring Maddie!
Sandy says:
I was wondering how you was going to do the march since I didn’t think your doctor would let you walk! Looks like team Maddie was a big group!
Kelly says:
I am so glad that your MOD walk was such a success. I always think of Maddie and your family when we participate in the local walk here.
amourningmom says:
I too hope that prematurity becomes a part of the past. Thank you and team Maddie for making such a huge difference! xo
Mary says:
beautiful!
Karen says:
I marched at our town and thought of you, too. At our event, people were asked to wear lei’s in different colors signifying the reason they walked. Purple for a baby born prematurely, white for a baby that died, green for a healthy baby. I wore purple and white for Maddie, and green for my own little girl.
Stacey B says:
I have contributed to your walk since Maddie passed, never thinking that I would walk in memory of my own nephews one day. My family only raised a pittance compared to what you have raised, but it helped to do what we can so that no other family has to go through this heartbreak. Thank you for continuing to walk in Maddie’s memory. We will do the same.
Best, Stacey
Mommy says:
It was truly an honor to march for your Maddie, and to be a small part of your team- what an amazing group of family and friends you have.
So happy to know that we can still get donations too. My friends and family are not done hearing me bug them to support such a very important cause!
Love to you all, Spohr Family!!
Amanda says:
Look at that great team! Awesome.