March of Dimes Ambassador Family

Does Kankakee use the Rockford Chapter, Naomi's Mommy? Or which chapter is your local division?

Here is the contact info for all Illinois' chapters:

Illinois Division Chapters of MOD

I've been to Kankakee a few times myself, and Rkfd is my former stomping grounds!

We are a 2006 Ambassador Family from Iowa. 119 days in the NICU after delivering triplets at 25 and 26 weeks, we brought one baby home. Our other two sons died within the first two weeks. Our son is now 3 and quite an amazing miracle, but medical or religious standards. We help out in our region with TV commercials, radio spots and newspaper stories. We speak at events and will be leading our local WalkAmerica group in May. I find it very rewarding and also informative for many people who had no idea what preemies can go through or how early they can arrive.

I would like to know how to apply for the National Ambassador Family, any information you have would be helpful. I know our son is a little young so we might have to wait a few years.

Shonda

Hi Shonda,

I talked with Suzanne (in your chapter) about you yesterday. The chapter needs to submit you and I believe they plan to. That said, we both think you would be a great choice....but probably in a couple of years. Your son is a little too young. National Ambassador children need to be able to get up on stage before huge crowds and thank everyone for coming, etc.

If you want to talk about it further, feel free to email me.

- James

Hey, Shonda!

Let me first say, THANK YOU for being willing to share your story with us, the media and all of Iowa. It is very rewarding and you are giving people a lot of useful information that will change the way they look at prematurity forever. It is stories like yours that educate...and then, quite naturally, the money will follow!

James did answer very appropriately...the chapter will submit your name and then all applications will be reviewed by the National office. This happens one time a year. You are wise to wait until your son is a little older. It would be pretty difficult to do the amount of traveling necessary with a little one. I spent many an hour entertaining Amanda in airports and airplanes, she was 5 at the time. Also, as National Ambassador you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Amanda doesn't remember a lot of what we did, maybe we will have to do it again! HAHA!

In the mean time, while waiting for your little one to grow...keep doing what you have been doing. Learn as much as you can about MOD, as much as you can about the mission. When the time is right your chapter will submit your information and who knows what your future will hold!!

Thanks again, Shonda for all you do!
Hugs!
Michele