Tomorrow team March for Maddie will be participating in the March for Babies for the eighth year in a row – our seventh walk without her.
The march is something that’s very important to our family, to both remember and honor Maddie, and to help other families going through the same thing we experienced more than seven-and-a-half years ago when we learned there were complications with Madeline’s pregnancy.
The March of Dimes has funded research that’s lead to countless strides in the fight against prematurity. They won’t stop until every child is born healthy. We won’t stop, either.
Like in previous years, I am again posting my speech from the 2009 March for Babies. Maddie passed away barely three weeks prior to the walk. I still can’t watch this footage. I don’t remember writing the speech and I barely remember giving it. But I hope all of you can take a few minutes to watch it, maybe for the first time, or maybe for the seventh, and remember all the babies out there who are gone too soon because they were born too soon.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
If you’d like to donate, you can click on the sponsor me button in my sidebar. If you want information about how to donate time, or join a walk, go to www.marchforbabies.org. You can also register for our team and walk in spirit (it’s free to join). And if you want to spread the word, please pass along this post. Use your voice for the babies who cannot.
Danielle Walker says:
March of Dimes is something our family is so passionate about. We are our local ambassador family this year and last weekend was our walk. We will keep doing everything we can to help babies be born healthy and not early!! I’ll be wearing my purple to support your team and your Maddie this weekend. Much love to you all!! #NoWiresForBabies
Katie Swisher says:
Thank you for marching! I’m currently on hospitalized bed rest at 24 weeks, just trying to get my girl to cook a little (a lot) longer. Suddenly finding myself very thankful for this organization…
Heather says:
Good luck, Katie! Please let me know if I can help you in any way! xoxo
Melanie says:
I think I watched that video the first time you posted it but haven’t been able to watch it in the years since. Now I’m sitting at my desk at work with tears in my eyes, remembering Maddie.
I hope the walk goes well today. Sweet Maddie will be in your heart and the hearts of SO many others every step of the way.
Susan says:
I, too, watch the video each time you post it. Thoughts/prayers as you walk for your beautiful daughter tomorrow.
Madeleine says:
March for Babies is also huge for us. We will be walking our 9th this year for Team Spencer Miami (my son was born 27 weeks 1.12oz). Have a great walk tomorrow and I will be thinking of Maddie as we walk for all babies born too soon.
Eric says:
We love the March for Babies, and will be walking for the 8th time as well this Sunday, the first time in our new hometown. We knew nothing about prematurity until our daughter Sophie was born in ’06 at 32 weeks, 4#4oz. Fortunately, we escaped the NICU in three weeks and is now a healthy 9 year old.
Will be thinking of Maddie and all other preemies, the ones with physically us and the ones not, during Sunday’s MFB.
Jocelyn says:
Many good wishes and thanks for the work you are doing!
Glenda says:
Thinking of you and your families, but especially Maddie. Peace and strength to all of you!
Lindsay says:
That speech … I watch it every year and always cry. It’s so raw it hurts. So brave a way to honor Maddie. Have a beautiful walk.
Jordan says:
I cry every time. Thank you for sharing her with us and using your platform to change lives.
Wearing purple and eating a cupcake with purple icing in spirit from Nashville. Love and strength for you all to get through the next few days– may you feel the strength and support of those surrounding you, both in person and in spirit via the blogosphere. xoxo
Lisa says:
With you in spirit. Lots of love and light today.
Jerilynn says:
Thinking of you and remembering sweet Maddie today. Thank you for your vigilant support of those born to soon and all you do to spread awareness and light.