Wednesday, March 29, 2006

The power of Will continues to amaze me. I posted Sunday about March of Dimes and by Tuesday afternoon I'd met my fundraising goal of $250--amazing! Three generous sponsors are people we've never met but who have gotten to know our family through these blogs. They wrote us notes to say how much they've been touched by Will's life and our family's journey over the last year. For a little guy, he sure has had a big impact on the world.

I never mentioned another "gift from Will," which is my sister's job. She had been a postpartum nurse but after our NICU experience she was interested in that type of nursing as well so she accepted an offer for cross-training at her hospital. This winter there were some staff cuts and reassignments, but her job was safe because of her ability to care for mothers and babies, healthy and challenged. Will's looking out for all of us and it feels good to know he's there.

John also has now registered as a Team Kenyon walker and set a fundraising goal. Since we've met our first goal, we'll see how much we can add. It's a little confusing that he has to have his own page, but that's just how it's set up online. Each walker has his/her own page even if walking with a team like ours. Some teams set collective goals, but since our team is still assembling as we determine who will be able to come to the walk, we'll just be happy to get together on April 29 and celebrate whatever amount we're able to contribute to the important work of the March of Dimes.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Once again we plan to participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica in Iowa City on Saturday, April 29, and we invite you to join us.

Will's brother Edward is strong and healthy, but it is important to remember that his birth, like Will's, was premature. Of course there is an incredible difference between being born five weeks early and being born 15 and a half weeks early. In our case, it's a difference of life and death.

We have created a website for Team Kenyon and invite you to join us in whatever way you can--physically (by walking with us or in your own hometown), financially (by making an online pledge toward our fundraising goal) or morally (by encouraging us to get up and get moving in preparation for the 10K walk.)

Clicking on the Team Kenyon link above will take you to our team website where, if you scroll to the bottom, you'll find links to donate and/or to register to walk with us or in your local WalkAmerica event.

We have always been lucky to be surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends, but never has that circle been more vital than in the last year and a half. We can never thank everyone enough for all that you've done and continue to do for us. Participating in WalkAmerica is a way for us to share these blessings.