March for Babies . . .
On a beautiful Saturday in May we were delighted to join our partners March of Dimes at their annual March for Babies in Boston. In a sea of purple tents, t-shirts, and capes, it was inspiring to soak in the shared commitment for supporting families.
Our hospital partners from the Boston area were there, reuniting with some of the children sprinting around. The same children who not too long ago were small but mighty in their respective NICUs. How many of these children running in the superhero sprint were nourished by our donor milk? We met some of them, much to our glee. And families who shared stories of donating their milk to us, milk that might have served some of the very children playing on the common. But how many more are out there who we still need to reach? Who we still need to help flourish so they get to enjoy days like this?
The never finished line . . .
Following lollipops, face painting, balloons, and races, the walkers move into position.
These powerful families know what’s needed when you’re faced with having a baby in distress. They understand the fear and anxiety in a way many cannot. Equally moving? Seeing the many nurses, doulas, and nonprofits who are dedicated to doing everything possible, so the outcomes are good. And when they are not, when a baby is lost, like Edward Manuel whose mother Jessica spoke at the event, these same folks come together to care for the families. Indeed, Jessica has taken her experience and created a new initiative to support bereaved moms through The EMA Project.
March of Dimes’ executive director, Julia Vose (pictured above), reminds us that we’re walking toward the “never finished line.” Because this work is never done. We can’t and won’t stop collectively leading these efforts to support both moms and babies. We will fight for the services, funding, equitable access, and every tool necessary to get babies to the starting line.
P.S. Scroll on to see the moment we met one of our incredible donor families – and Spiderman!
Can you help take care of the medically fragile preterm babies who need us the most? Just $25 provides about fifteen lovingly prepared and much-needed feedings.
