Last year, we were rookies in the March for Babies. We registered to walk only a few weeks before the big day and made very few preparations. Our skeleton team consisted only of George, Aunt CiCi, Brandi (George’s cousin), the babies, and me. At that time, we walked in honor of our babies. They endured seven week stint in the NICU, and at the time of the walk were making their first public appearances. George and I felt a sense of gratitude for the March of Dimes, which funds major research to help preemies like ours grow and thrive.
This year, we started much earlier and rallied our friends and family to join us. We even ordered royal purple team t-shirts to show group cohesiveness. Our team doubled in size when our neighbors with quads also joined the cause. Together our team was over thirty-eight members strong and raised $1650! This year, the cause was bigger than just our own family. It was in honor of our healthy, thriving babies, but also in memory of the many babies who passed away this year. Our community of multiples is a small one, and when tragedy strikes, we all feel the sorrow. Far too many families experienced infant loss, and the March of Dimes is helping to make sure that more families do not endure similar situations. I can only hope that our team grows even larger and stronger next year!
The sea of royal purple warmed my heart.
This sign proudly hung in the “Garden of Hope” for other families facing premature births.
Our sign was surrounded by signs honoring other babies. Take a close look at each one though. Some signs honor babies while others are memorials for babies. We walk to help prevent future families from hanging memorial signs. No family should have to endure the loss of an infant.
This year, my parents and sister’s boyfriend, Matt, were at our side.
Along for the walk were the Murphy Clan (top) and Bonnie Brae Crew (bottom). Two of these walkers were expectant mothers with babies due this summer. They know the March of Dimes is working to make sure their babies are delivered full term.
Along for the walk were the Murphy Clan (top) and Bonnie Brae Crew (bottom). Two of these walkers were expectant mothers with babies due this summer. They know the March of Dimes is working to make sure their babies are delivered full term.
Wait a minute…one of these is not like the others. Which one doesn’t belong?
When Mason was unhappy in the Runabout, Spencer happily took his place.
Aside from group cohesiveness, a nice perk of having a large team was that we didn’t face a barrage of questions or a sea of paparazzi like we did last year. It allowed us to just walk and enjoy the spring weather. Also, it was far easier managing four babies with so many helping hands. Everyone gladly took turns pushing our 120 pound stroller and entertaining fussy babies.
We crossed the finish line as a group for one cause. Everyone, including he babies, received a sticker that read, “I did it!”
Quads doubled!
After the walk, the babies enjoyed quick picnic lunch of their favorite staple: peanut butter and honey sandwiches with apple slices and goldfish.
Nisey and Papa beam with pride when they are with their grand babies. Our family team shirts didn’t come in toddler sizes so I ordered March of Dimes onsies for the babies that read, “Proof Miracles Happen.” I thought it was quite fitting for them.
Have you ever participated in a charity walk or fun run? If not, I hope you’ll consider joining the March for Babies next spring.
Hugs!
Amber
We would like to extend a special thanks to those donated to our team: George Shawver, Jr., Carol Vincell, Kristi Bowman, Melissa Shaw, Megan Haley, Karen & Brad Cox, Ashley Lopez, Patty Winkle, Leslie Murihead, Melissa Dumas, Marianne Southwick, Lindsay Howard, Treva Muirhead, Cathy Wildman and Terri McGuire.
And for those who walked with us: Jaime Balderas, LeeAnn Brager, Esmeralda Colmenero, Gracie Colmenero, Alfonso Cordova, Joey Cordova, Juana Cordova, Jen Crawford, Candelairo Hernandez, Griselda Hernandez, Kimberly Hernandez, Rojelio Hernandez, Matt Johnson, Kristen Klatt, Kelsey McGuire, Daniel Murphy, Debbie Murphy, Dennis Murpy, Sara Murphy, Ann Odom, Brenda Quintan, Alan Reid, Deven Reid, Jessica Rivera, Alondra Rodriguez, Mina Rodriguez, Viviana Rodriguez, Daria Schwalbe, Paul Schwalbe, Priscilla Serrano, Kaylie Slaughter, Tyler Slaughter, Brandi Steele, Evelyn Villanueva, Courtney Zehnder, Denise Zehnder, and Steve Zehnder.
Four to Adore 
This is incredible! So proud of the difference you’re making in your community! Also, what are the odds that you have neighbors with quads too?!? That’s just awesome.
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Thank you! What’s even crazier, is there is another family expecting quads any day that lives 5 minutes away. Crazy!!!
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That’s nuts!!!
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Love that you are doing this! What a wonderful cause to support!
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[…] team. Our first walk was a bit impromptu, but we found the walk to be an empowering experience. Last year was the first year we rallied a team to join us and purchased team t-shirts, which gave us a sense […]
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