You have guest access to browse, login, or register.

WelcomeAboutShare With CareHelp
Share Your Story. Participate in online discussions about premature babies, start a blog, or just meet other NICU families. March of Dimes  
HomeCommunity CenterShare Your StoryParent to ParentGet Involved
 
SHARE HOME >  GET INVOLVED >  SHARE YOUR STORY - 'SHINING STARS'

Our Shining Star - Carissa

Darcy Milder - 10:47am Aug 22, 2007 EST

Our newest 'Shining Star' is Carissa - Braden's Mommy - author of Our Miracle Monster.

Carissa is one of our many members from Iowa that have really made an impact here at Share. She first joined Share in October 2004 and started blogging in March 2006. You will recognize her name throughout the Share community, as she is always offering up advice and comfort to our members and shows amazing speed and mental dexterity on the Share Café quizzes.

Recently, Carissa set aside her own fear and anxiety for the sake of our mission. She and her family represented the March of Dimes at the First Annual Ride Iowa event this past July.

This event sponsored by Farmers Insurance, turned out more than 700 bikers in support of The March of Dimes. Carissa, who never spoke in front of such a large crowd before, shared the birth story of her son Braden and brought tears to the eyes of more than a few of these bikers. I’m sure it was very difficult for Carissa to re-live those scary NICU moments in front of such a large crowd. She certainly raised awareness to our mission that day and was even interviewed by a local biking magazine. Great job, Carissa!!



This is hardly the first time Carissa has volunteered her time to help others. Every few weeks she spends time meeting with new parents at her local NICU as part of their Parent-to-Parent support group. She also co-chaired (with Shonda) the Family Teams Committee for her local WalkAmerica this past spring. Carissa is also the chair of Volunteer Outreach Network helping new volunteers get involved in her community.

Please join us in appreciation for Carissa's hard work and dedication to our mission. She is truly one of Share's 'Shining Stars'.



  OutlineAll MessagesPrevious MessagesEarliest MessagesRecent MessagesMore Messages

DNASMOM - Aug 22, 2007 12:58 pm (#1 Total: 16)  

Mom to a feeder and grower born June 2004 almost 33 wks 2lb 13 oz.  

Congrats Carissa!

You really are a Shining Star! Not only just in the SHARE community, but throughout the March of Dimes organization.

I have yet to do a public speech and get a knot in my stomach at just the thought!

You did a great job at the Ride Iowa event!! Thanks for ALL you do!!!

Karen

GradyGabbyAbby - Aug 22, 2007 1:01 pm (#2 Total: 16)  

*One miracle with us,Gradon is now 10 years old. His sisters Gabrielle Lynn & Abigail Marie, watch over us in heaven.*  

Congratulations Carissa!! Awesome job!!
You deserve to be recognized for all your wonderful accomplishments.
Your a wonderful asset to SHARE and the MOD and an important advocate for so many.

Keep up the GREAT work and thank you for sharing so much of your self with us!!

HUGS,
Colleen

jack-n-kates_mom - Aug 22, 2007 1:09 pm (#3 Total: 16)  

Have questions about RSV/flu season. Come join us for our next live chat, Thursday, December 10th at 2 p.m. EST with our very own Dr. Scott Berns.  

Congrats Carissa. You are a big part of Share and have helped in many ways. Thank you so much for all you do!!

Sharlene+2 - Aug 22, 2007 2:17 pm (#4 Total: 16)  

Mom to Taylor (14) and ^George Daniel^  

We knew you were a Shining Star...now it's official!!

Congratulations!! You deserve it!!

Give your lil' star a hug from all of us!!

Drinks in the Cafe........in YOUR honor!!!!!!!!!!!

Karri - Aug 22, 2007 3:11 pm (#5 Total: 16)  

IL Family Team Specialist - Family Teams are the Best!  

Carissa,

You are a shining star!! Congratulations and Thank you for all your hard work, time, and dedication to Share, your local chapter, and your local NICU. They are all very lucky to have you!!

You deserve this!!
Karri

2 here 2 in Heaven - Aug 22, 2007 3:17 pm (#6 Total: 16)  

Surviving 26 week triplet...2 angels, & a 36 week singleton.  

Woohoo to an Iowan Shining Star! You truly are a great reflection of what a volunteer can do by lending their time, voice, and talent. Thanks so much for all you do, on Share and in our state!

Shonda

lesleylynn - Aug 22, 2007 4:17 pm (#7 Total: 16)  

Mommy to Lesley... my 34 week beauty queen!  

Carissa,
What an awesome job you do serving the mission of the March of Dimes. You are truely an inspirational leader...

Thanks for all your hard work!

Tracy

pj'smom - Aug 22, 2007 5:15 pm (#8 Total: 16)  

 

YEAH Carissa-
You are a huge assest to this site. I am always impressed by you and I have never met you! Congrats on being honored for all you do.
Melissa

McTriplet Mommy - Aug 22, 2007 6:16 pm (#9 Total: 16)  

Lorne (23 wk), Isaac (26 wk) and Sullivan (26 wk) - my four-year miracles!!  

Carissa - you rock! Your Miracle Monster is such an inspiration - and your dedication to the March of Dimes is admirable!

Thanks for all you do - I'm so glad to know you!

Take care,
Kara

LilyGrace'sMom - Aug 22, 2007 6:34 pm (#10 Total: 16)  

Thinking of Kyle and sending lots of hugs and prayers  

Congratulations, Carissa!

You do make a difference here on Share as well as with the MOD. You make a difference in our lives. Thank you for all your kind words and insights.

Your dedication and passion shines through your words, your smile, and your son.

~Jaclyn~

Kathryn:Mom&NICU Nurse - Aug 22, 2007 6:46 pm (#11 Total: 16)  

Marina 28w, Emma 36w, Olivia 34w 2 days  

Congratulations Carrisa!

You really are amazing!

PHOENIX'S MOM - Aug 22, 2007 10:09 pm (#12 Total: 16)  

Phoenix, always in our hearts!!!  

Congrats!!!!

Congrats Carissa!!!! You deserve it!!!

weerock - Aug 23, 2007 4:38 am (#13 Total: 16)  

Mom to Leighton (30 weeks), Emerson (33 weeks), and an angel, Phillip (25 weeks)  

Carissa -
Congratulations! What a well-deserved honor! You are such a huge asset to the March of Dimes and Share.

Well done!

Denise

Aileigh - Aug 23, 2007 11:22 am (#14 Total: 16)  

Proud Mom to Ryan 33 Weeker Now 3 and Baby Nick 38 weeker Now 1  

Yay Carissa!

You are such a valuable asset to Share! Thanks for all your kind comments and everything you do for the MOD! One of these days, you, me, and Jac will all go head to head in a quiz! You are one of a kind!

Hugs and Love,
Aimee

quadmom25 - Aug 25, 2007 7:28 pm (#15 Total: 16)  

 

Hurray! Congratulations Carissa!

What a STAR you are!

Stacey

Donna S - Aug 27, 2007 10:54 am (#16 Total: 16)  

Mom to Ryley, 26 weeker, Grace and Ethan, full-termers  

Congratulations, Carissa!!! You are a shining star in all you do here at Share, and in your other volunteer efforts for the March of Dimes. You bring so many smiles to our faces each day, and have such wonderful words of comfort, support and encouragement.

Shine on!

Hugs,
Donna



  OutlineAll MessagesPrevious MessagesEarliest MessagesRecent MessagesMore Messages


To post, please login or register.



 
We are pleased to provide a forum for sharing, and remind everyone that the viewpoints, opinions and actions expressed here are those of the individuals themselves, and may not reflect March of Dimes policies or positions. Information on this site does not take the place of guidance from your health care provider. Always verify information with your health care provider before taking action. Any messages or stories shared on this site may be used in other March of Dimes marketing activities.

Donate now!