The Romaezis

Our Second Annual March for Babies

Kamran is only 13 months old and has now officially participated in two March of Dimes walks.  This past weekend was the March of Dimes March for Babies annual walk.  This year we recruited friends and family to join us!  I want to share a special thank you to the friends and family who walked with us this year.  It meant more than you will ever know.  Same goes to the friends and family who sponsored us by making donations to the March of Dimes.

Last year Kayvan and I took Kamran and participated in the March for Babies together for the first time.  We raised $180 between the two of us in only a matter of a few weeks.  With more time this year, we were determined to do better.  This year Kayvan and I raised $1,225 between the two of us AND had a few friends join in on the fundraising fund.  I am proud to share that I raised over $1000 making me a March for Babies top walker.  With the joint effort of our family and friends, we raised a combined total of $3,080 for the IFHC – NICU March for Babies team.  Our friend Beth who joined us also raised over $1,000 as well.  Beth and I were so proud of the funds we raised that we decided to branch out and form our own family team next year.  That means you can expect lemonade stands, bake sales, perhaps a Loopsi Daisy hat promo and lots of donation requests going out to local businesses we frequent–in addition to all of the fundraising efforts we typically put in with our friends.

I remember last year’s walk was super emotional for me.  This year the emotions were a little easier to manage with friends joining us.  It probably also helped that friends read the tribute signs along the route before I did and would say “Don’t read that one, it’s sad!”  At one point a friend told me not to read a sign moments after I heard a woman say, “Oh here is our sign.”  I of course read it and asked another friend if it was too late to give the woman a hug.  Her baby had anacephaly and was born in silence.  5 days later she lost her husband.  I didn’t know how to react after I read her sign knowing it was hers and she was standing right next to me for at least 1/4 mile.  The walk certainly helps us keep perspective on just how fortunate we are.  Yes, we were dealt a tough hand at the start but everyone is healthy today–and that is what matters.

Here is a photo of the 3 of us at the end of the walk.

The finish line! Our second March for Babies Walk

More photos are here:  http://theromaezis.smugmug.com/Friends/March-for-Babies-2012/22878578_RGc7RX#!i=1837158780&k=SdkR4NS