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March of Dimes Ambassador Family

Michele Reeves - 01:00am Oct 7, 2004 EST
2004 National Ambassador Mom

Hi, everybody!!

I am Michele Reeves, Mom to Amanda Reeves the 2004 National Ambassador. I have had the awesome opportunity to meet many local ambassador families this year! How many of you have been an ambassador family OR would like to be an ambassador family? It has been an awesome experience and is our pleasure to give back to an organization that helped to save our daughter's life!!

Hugs!
Michele Reeves



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AprilK - Oct 16, 2004 8:38 pm (#15 Total: 140)  

 

HI,

My name is April and we are the local Ambassador family for our county! I have enjoyed doing it! I have spoken at several events, including a recent nurse symposium! Sophia is on the poster for our local Culinary Showcase gala! She also had a photo shoot for the local Infant Health Leadership awards.

So what does one do to be considered for the national ambassador role????

For those of you interested in being a local ambassador, DO IT!! It's been a wonderful experience for us!!!

Replies to this message
  • Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 1:13 am)


  • Mommy2Eleanor~Rose - Oct 16, 2004 11:06 pm (#16 Total: 140)  

    Mommy to a teenager! Wow, where did the time go?  

    Hello,

    My name is Deborah,and my daughter,Eleanor~Rose was born premature.This was the first year becoming an Ambassador to the March of Dimes,and I was very excited for her.

    We helped kick of Walk America at Griffith Park in CA,and she got to meet Mickey&Minie Mouse,she was happy for that.She also got to ride on an old fashioned fire truck,and wave to all the people who were walking the route.

    I had walked for the very first time last year,and it was a very emotional thing for me to do.I was actually crying as I crossed the finish line,unfortunately,I was by myself that day,but this year,I was on stage talking about how my daughter is thriving ,and that with the help of the March of Dimes,that more babies,and parents can get the help that they need.

    I look forward to getting to know all of you on here.Have a great weekend.

    Deborah&Eleanor~Rose.

    Replies to this message
  • Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 12:57 am)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 12:55 am (#17 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Kristie Conrad (Oct 12, 2004 6:09 pm)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Hi again Michele, I tried to get in touch with my local MOD chapter about being an...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Kristie,

    Did you leave a phone message? I know most of the staff was at the National Volunteer Leadership conference. E-mail me with your contact info and I will see if I can get someone in touch with you!!

    Thanks for hanging in there with us!!
    Hugs!
    Michele

    Replies to this message
  • Kristie Conrad (Oct 18, 2004 2:43 am)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 12:57 am (#18 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Mommy2Eleanor~Rose (Oct 16, 2004 11:06 pm)
    Hello, My name is Deborah,and my daughter,Eleanor~Rose was born premature.This was the first year becoming an Ambassador to the March...

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    Deborah,

    How exciting for you and Eleanor~Rose! How amazing is it for you to go from crying at the finish line to being on stage with your thriving daughter!! You go girl!!!!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Replies to this message
  • Mommy2Eleanor~Rose (Oct 18, 2004 11:40 pm)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:00 am (#19 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: JCCrooks (Oct 12, 2004 8:14 pm)
    Re: Ambassador Family: My daughter was the local Ambassador Child in 2001 and 2002. We still do events when...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Julie,

    What an amazing site you have set up!! I am so excited for you and Kellie!!

    Thanks for sharing with us!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:02 am (#20 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Eliezrah (Oct 13, 2004 11:16 am)
    I have also tried to get in touch with my local office and have not heard anything back from them....

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    Let me see what I can do!! Thanks for hanging in there and being willing!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:05 am (#21 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Kelly Thompson (Oct 14, 2004 4:08 pm)
    MOD Ambassador: Michelle, I am the mother of 2 preemies. Faith was born 8/31/00 at 32...

    Re: MOD Ambassador

    Hey, Kelly!

    It is great to meet you and hear part of your story!! What an amazing journey you have been on TWICE!!

    As has been written before, try to contact your local March of Dimes office or let me know where you are located and I will get someone to contact you!!

    Hugs to you and your two miracles!!

    Michele Reeves

    Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:08 am (#22 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: MamideKaiyHeath (Oct 16, 2004 12:41 am)
    Hi Michelle, My name is Camille and I am from Pittsbugrh, PA. I have participated in the WalkAmerica 2 years...

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    Camille,

    Thank you so much for your willingness to help this wonderful cause!!! I know you have your hands full with your older son and I hope all is going well with him now!!

    Amanda and I were in Pittsburgh in January of this year. I think we caused a blizzard when we came, most of the events had to be canceled because of the weather. Pittsburgh is a lovely place and such a beautiful place to walk, only you would need warmer weather than January!!

    Thanks again for sharing and give Kai and Heath a hug from us!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:09 am (#23 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: MamideKaiyHeath (Oct 16, 2004 12:41 am)
    Hi Michelle, My name is Camille and I am from Pittsbugrh, PA. I have participated in the WalkAmerica 2 years...

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    P.S. Great picture!!!

    Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 1:13 am (#24 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: AprilK (Oct 16, 2004 8:38 pm)
    HI, My name is April and we are the local Ambassador family for our county! I have enjoyed doing it!...

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    April,

    Thanks for encouraging others to be a local ambassador! I know you and Sophia did a great job for the March of Dimes!!!

    There is more information about being a National Ambassador on the March of Dimes website. We were nominated by our state chapter, then went through an extensive interview process.

    Have you seen the announcement for the 2005 family? There story is incredible and they are the nicest family! We had the privilege of meeting them this week at the National Volunteer Leadership Conference!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Kristie Conrad - Oct 18, 2004 2:43 am (#25 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 12:55 am)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Kristie, Did you leave a phone message? I know most of the staff was at the...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Thanks Michele,
    Actually that day someone did get in touch with me, and I went to an ambassador training the next day. I am very excited. I was also contacted by the March of Dimes Family Support person in the NICU Christopher graduated from. I am going to be helping out on one of the committees. Thank you so much for your help.

    Replies to this message
  • Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 4:58 pm)
  • AprilK (Oct 19, 2004 12:02 am)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 18, 2004 4:58 pm (#26 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Kristie Conrad (Oct 18, 2004 2:43 am)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Thanks Michele, Actually that day someone did get in touch with me, and I went to an...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Kristie,

    I am so happy to hear that you will be getting involved!!

    You will love the NICU Family support program! The NICU that Amanda was born in was one of the 3 pilot sites for the project and it is such a wonderful program now! Thank you MOD!!

    Let me know if I can help in any other way!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Replies to this message
  • Kristie Conrad (Oct 19, 2004 3:12 am)


  • Mommy2Eleanor~Rose - Oct 18, 2004 11:40 pm (#27 Total: 140)  

    Mommy to a teenager! Wow, where did the time go?  

    Replying to: Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 12:57 am)
    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family: Deborah, How exciting for you and Eleanor~Rose! How amazing is it for...

    Re: March of Dimes Ambassador Family

    Thank you Michele,

    It was a very emotional experience for me as well.When I first heard about Walk America,it was in 2002,but it was too late for me to join in,because it was just days away.So I got online donated,and then wrote an email to my local chapter.

    I had gotten a response,but a meeting never got scheduled.So in 2003,I registered to walk,and when I saw the Ambassador families,even the National Ambasador "Emma Henderson" was there with her parents

    I thought wanted to share my experience,and help MOD knowing that without the invention of Surfacant,my daughter may not be here.I then made sure that I would contact them again.

    After a year of sending,and resending her story which never made it to their website that they wanted to put it on,I finally got in contact with a woman from the local chapter here in S.CA.

    I have been told now that both Northern,and Southern CA chapters are going to be merged together,and alot of things will be happening more.I hope so,as we only did Walk America.I am glad that I now have her story in the share your story site,under My Eleanor~Rose.

    I really love this place,and all the wealth of information there is here for all parents.I have been on other Premature baby sites,and even host one where I met many friends who helped me during my daughter's 2 NICU stays,and I have lionked them to here hoping that they will post here as well.

    Anyways,thank you,and sorry for the book.LOL!It always seems to happen to me every time I talk about my daughter,and her early birth,it's like once I start,I can't stop,and she'll be 5 next month,you'd think I'd stop already.LOL!

    have a good evening.

    Deborah&Eleanor~Rose.

    AprilK - Oct 19, 2004 12:02 am (#28 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: Kristie Conrad (Oct 18, 2004 2:43 am)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Thanks Michele, Actually that day someone did get in touch with me, and I went to an...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    You mean there's training you're supposed to go through for being an ambassador?? I was just kinda thrown into it. As much as I love MOD, I don't think our office does a very good job of recognizing ALL the local ambassadors. Our office deals with 3 different counties and since one of the families as been at it longer they tend to get the most attention. It's a bit annoying because everyone has different experiences to share ya know??

    Our NICU doesn't have the Family support in effect, but I'm going to talk to them about starting a support group for the parents!

    What kind of training did you do?

    Replies to this message
  • Kristie Conrad (Oct 19, 2004 3:17 am)


  • Kristie Conrad - Oct 19, 2004 3:12 am (#29 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: Michele Reeves (Oct 18, 2004 4:58 pm)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Kristie, I am so happy to hear that you will be getting involved!! You will...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Thanks Michele,
    I am very excited about it!! Thet actually did the launch while Christopher was in the NICU, and it is the first in NJ. I was one of the mom's interviewed for our local TV stations at the time. It was also nice being a new mom and giving my perspective on the program. I can't say enough about the NICU and the MOD. I want to help anyway I can.
    hugs to you too

    Kristie Conrad - Oct 19, 2004 3:17 am (#30 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: AprilK (Oct 19, 2004 12:02 am)
    Re: Ambassador Family: You mean there's training you're supposed to go through for being an ambassador?? I was just kinda...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    The training was basically an introduction. There were two other families there so we shared stories. We watched a video about the walk, and talked with the MOD women that were there about different things we can do in our communities and things that are ok to say during interviews and such as well as things that are best said another way. I liked it mostly because it made us feel like we were there to do something good, and not left to tread water if that makes any sense.

    Marina - Oct 19, 2004 4:17 am (#31 Total: 140)  

     

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Michelle I read your story and I can relate. My daughter was born at 23 weeks weighing 1lb. 6oz. 12in. She was so tiny. My ring could also go around her whole arm. She spent 99 days in the NICU. And blessed to god she was and is still so healthy. She had no bleeds, no holes in her heart, nothing! She had her typical roller coaster days, but never anything major. I spent morning, noon, and night with her. Today she is a healthy 4 year old. We are getting ready to celebrate her 5th birthday. She is in Pre-K and loves every minute of it. My heart aches to see her grow so fast and be so independent. She wears glasses and attends speech therapy, once a week at school. I'm just so glad to hear of another 23 weeker being completely healthy. I would love to get involved with the March of Dimes, so any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Replies to this message
  • Michele Reeves (Oct 19, 2004 7:45 pm)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 19, 2004 7:45 pm (#32 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: Marina (Oct 19, 2004 4:17 am)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Michelle I read your story and I can relate. My daughter was born at 23 weeks...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Marina,

    1st of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    2nd of all, enjoy her 5th birthday...you deserve it!!

    I am so glad she is doing well!!

    Being an ambassador is very rewarding!! You can go to marchofdimes.com and find your local office or let me know where you are located and I will pass your information along!!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    Replies to this message
  • Marina (Oct 24, 2004 5:27 am)
  • Christy (Oct 27, 2004 2:11 am)


  • Marina - Oct 24, 2004 5:27 am (#33 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: Michele Reeves (Oct 19, 2004 7:45 pm)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Marina, 1st of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :smile: 2nd of all, enjoy her 5th birthday...you deserve it!! I...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    I received your message, thanks for getting back.
    I live in a little town called Kenedy, Texas. I am between San Antonio, Texas and Corpus Christi, I am 60 miles from each city. So whatever you can help me with would be such great joy. I am so thankful for everything that the March of Dimes has done to my family that I just want to take the time to give back to others. I want my daughter to also get involved.

    mbliss - Oct 24, 2004 8:52 pm (#34 Total: 140)  

     

    2003 Austin Texas ambassador family here...

    Hi michelle,

    You are right, the experience is amazing. I can't imagine how much travel you had to do as the national ambassador family. I am originally from Greenville, so when you guys were selected, it was right at the end of my stent as ambassador here. My mom cut the article out of the Greenville paper and mailed it to me. My mom and dad still live in greenville (well mauldin actually). We are planning on applying for the national ambassador family for next year (2006). My boys are only 3 now, and i think they want them to be tlaking a little better.

    How did that all work out with missing school?

    Michelle

    Replies to this message
  • Michele Reeves (Oct 25, 2004 3:34 pm)


  • Michele Reeves - Oct 25, 2004 3:34 pm (#35 Total: 140)  

    2004 National Ambassador Mom  

    Replying to: mbliss (Oct 24, 2004 8:52 pm)
    2003 Austin Texas ambassador family here...: Hi michelle, You are right, the experience is amazing. I can't imagine how...

    Re: 2003 Austin Texas ambassador family here...

    Hey, Michelle!

    I live in Simpsonville, so when you get "home" let me know and maybe we can get together!!

    The school has been VERY supportive. Also, when we go on our trips, the chapters have been very good about planning for us to do things that are educational...Children's museum in Providence, RI...Betsy Ross' house in Philly...Polar Beverages in MA...lots of different things! It has been an amazing experience in more than one way!! Also, Amanda's school got involved by doing a map of where Amanda was traveling! They would put a pin and talk about the area that Amanda was visiting that day!

    It is a win-win situation for the child and the school!! Good luck and let me know when you will be in SC!

    Hugs!
    Michele

    kimberly kilmer - Oct 25, 2004 10:15 pm (#36 Total: 140)  

     

    re: Ambassador family

    Hi Michele,
    I live in Shelton Washington and would love to know more about being an ambassodor family. We have had 3 preemies and they are all doing great.
    Thanks March of Dimes!

    [Last Editor: kimberly kilmer, Oct 25, 2004 3:15 pm. Total Edits: 1]

    Replies to this message
  • colleendv (Nov 2, 2004 1:34 pm)


  • Meredith Baker - Oct 26, 2004 9:23 pm (#37 Total: 140)  

     

    Ambassador Family

    Hello I am Meredith Baker. My family and I divised a team of ten walkers for this past year for the March of Dimes in honor of my twin sons Matthew and Jonathan. They were born at 21 and 22 weeks. They survived only briefly, but are with us in spirit. I was given the Ambassador Family yellow bandana at the walk and would continue to be a part of March of Dimes. This is a wonderful organization and strongly support all the research and dedication everyone provides.

    Karen Hackfeld - Oct 27, 2004 1:17 am (#38 Total: 140)  

     

    re: Ambassador Family

    Mom to Jake Alexander - born 28 weeks, 1 pound. I live in Houston Texas and would love more information regarding being an Ambassador family. How do you get information regarding this?

    Thanks Marc for creating this website!

    Replies to this message
  • Morgan's Mom (May 5, 2005 4:49 pm)


  • Christy - Oct 27, 2004 2:11 am (#39 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: Michele Reeves (Oct 19, 2004 7:45 pm)
    Re: Ambassador Family: Marina, 1st of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :smile: 2nd of all, enjoy her 5th birthday...you deserve it!! I...

    Re: Ambassador Family

    Hi,
     My name is Christy and I live in Birmingham, Al. I am the proud mom To Jaxon a 30 weeker who is doing great. I would love some more info on being an ambassador family. Thanks

    baby Boo - Oct 27, 2004 2:54 pm (#40 Total: 140)  

     

    Hi my name is katie, am doing my graduation project on premterm births and premature babies. I am interested in this because i was a premie my self. I was just wondering exactlly wat an embasodor family is and how i could maybe get involved. thank you so very much.. Thank you,
    Katie

    MoP_Angel4Ever - Oct 30, 2004 6:07 am (#41 Total: 140)  

     

    To Michele

    I would love to get some information on becoming an ambassador family. But, can you be one if your child didn't survive?

    Jolean Moran

    Replies to this message
  • Meredith Baker (Nov 3, 2004 8:53 pm)
  • Michele Reeves (Nov 5, 2004 1:51 am)


  • Marc Sirkin - Nov 1, 2004 3:42 pm (#42 Total: 140)  

     

    Ambassador families

    Jolean and Katie (and everyone!)... your best bet is to contact the local chapter - look them up at http://www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/chapter_view_all.asp

    You can also e-mail me at msirkin@marchofdimes.com if you need more help.

    Marc

    colleendv - Nov 2, 2004 1:34 pm (#43 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: kimberly kilmer (Oct 25, 2004 10:15 pm)
    re: Ambassador family: Hi Michele, I live in Shelton Washington and would love to know more about being an...

    Re: Ambassador family

    Hi! We live in NH and my son was born June 23, 2002 at 24weeks 6 days (due October 7, 2002). We are an ambassador family for southern NH. Last night we did the Manchester Chef's Auction.

    Colleen
    mom to:
    Bella (3/30/00)
    Lucas(6/23/02-at 24w6d)
    and his angel twin, Dominic(6/23/02-9/17/02...due to SIDS)

    Replies to this message
  • Marc Sirkin (Nov 2, 2004 2:52 pm)


  • Marc Sirkin - Nov 2, 2004 2:52 pm (#44 Total: 140)  

     

    Replying to: colleendv (Nov 2, 2004 1:34 pm)
    Re: Ambassador family: Hi! We live in NH and my son was born June 23, 2002 at 24weeks 6...

    Re: Ambassador family

    Colleen,
    How did it go? Did you have fun - eat tons of food? If you can, let everyone know what your role was... perhaps even give us a taste of what it's like to be an Ambassador family!

    Marc



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