March of Dimes Ambassador Family

YEAH, Amanda!!! Congratulations, I know you will do a great job!!! Thanks for being willing to share Sarah's story!!

Hugs!
Michele

How do you become an ambassador family?

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FAMILY?

I would love to be an Ambassador Family...what does one have to do?

I got in touch with my state office. This whole process has taken almost a year for somebody to actually get in touch with me but it paid off. Good Luck!!

I'd say try again, but I also know the frustration of being neglected from the local office.

We were an ambassador family for the Quad Cities IA/IL Mississippi Valley area. I was always informed of meetings, kick offs, chefs, speaking events, etc. Sometimes, they only needed me to make a few phone calls, othertimes speeches, TV appearances, newspaper stories. I was involved as much as I could be with a preemie who couldn't leave home. I loved the girls and other volunteers... we were more than just involved as volunteers, we were buddies and called eachother just to chat.

My husband then got a new job and we moved across the state near Des Moines. I called to tell them I was coming. My local chapter called and told them I was coming. I called again. I called again. And again. I still have no idea what's going on locally. I've lived here now for almost 8 months. I wasn't told about Walk Kick-off or any events.

They had a lobby day here at the state capitol in Des Moines about some bills important to MOD's causes. I got a call from my friends back in the Quad Cities saying "I can't believe you weren't there! We missed you! We thought for sure you'd go since it's so close to you!" I didn't even know it was going on.

I did stuff some envelopes for them containing Walk America registration forms. Strangely enough, though, I wasn't on the mailing list and still haven't gotten a form. Doesn't matter, I registered online. I didn't even know when Walk America was in Des Moines until the girls from the Quad Cities chapter told me.

Seems strange to go from being the Ambassador family and top walker for our former chapter to having no connection or contact from the new office. Maybe they're too busy???

I am still fundraising online. However, we are walking at the Walk in our former hometown (3 hours away) because they are the only ones keeping us informed. I've done everything but throw myself at this office. Noone should have to work that hard to volunteer. Now it's just awkward.

I just reread my post and realized how glum it sounds!

I don't want to discourage anyone from contacting their local office and getting involved. Being an ambassador family made me feel like Logan's prematurity had purpose. I felt like so much had been given TO our family from saving graces like Surfactant and nitric oxide. Giving speeches, talking with the newspaper, making the MOD commercial and trying to get people to donate was so rewarding for our family. I really felt like it was the only opportunity I had to give back to an organization who has done SO MUCH for my son and for so many other precious preemie lives.

Fundraising, doing Walk America, even stuffing envelopes is so gratifying for us because it empowers us to find meaning in Logan's story.

Hi there, your new pal Karri here!!

So your saying just keep calling, contacting them etc?? I've contacted the local coordinator several times and have been offered two speaking occasions, but still haven't been given specifics on those things.

I'm trying to walk that fine line between being assertive and being just plain pushy!! You know what I mean? I agree with you, I'm sure they are busy, but I guess I'm just not sure how to read it. Is it that I'm just not what they are looking for, or are they wanting me to keep calling?!?!

Well now that sounds completely confusing. If you can make any sense out of that I'll be impressed!!

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Karri

It's such a great cause, which is why I want to keep trying. On one hand... the first office I called (Quad Cities IA/IL chapter) I was warmly received, quickly invited to get involved, kept informed of every occasion. We were soon doing commercials, speeches, interviews, making phone calls, etc. I felt connected to the center of the hub. I got emails when to call the senator, etc. The girls were kind, warm and smart!

Since I've moved I'm in the same boat as you.... how many times does a girl have to call? I don't want to seem pushy. I just want to help. But c'mon, it's been 8 months. I know nothing. Noone calls me back. Here I am, the mom of a preemie, a former ambassador family mom, a big fundraiser, I'm throwing myself at them! They don't seem to want the bait.

I got an idea Karri! Let's form our own chapter. Tee hee. Reminds me of when I was little and my brother wouldn't let me join his club, so I made my own. Only then I was, like 7.

Okay so what shall we call this wonderful club??? What about....Club SuperMoms....or...."MOPs"..Moms of Preemies....any suggestions.

I just want to help, and share our story. I have been contacted by our NICU to help start a support group for parents currently in or have been in the NICU. That has me jumping. I will jump up in bed, and Kirk will ask what the problem is, I'll say I just thought of something I need to add to my list.....I have a running list of items to talk with the committee about when we meet. Ideas I have, things I would like to see done. I just want to channel this energy and passion I have. I feel like I've found my new calling in life, or should I say next calling, after being a teacher and then Mom.
This site has helped tremendously with some of this passion. I've healed in ways I didn't think I still needed to do. I've made friends with people I feel like I've known my entire life, because of this amazing experience that affected all of us at such a deep level. It really changes who you are.

Okay what was it you were saying about rambling!! I'll talk to you soon!!
Take care and hug the boys for me!!
Karri

Taegan has been diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction and has been getting OT for about 1.5 years he is getting better but as he gets older he is now 4 the therapy will be ending and I'm worried he will regress and have difficulty in school. We have chosen to send him to our local catholic school simply because it is quieter and smaller than our public school. Anyone with advice can email me at tevert@frontiernet.net or leave a message here. Thanks I love this web site!

Hi Amanda!

Where in Virginia are you? I'm in Newport News, and we're having a rally Tuesday, so just wondering if it was the same one. If so, I look forward to hearing Sarah's story. Beth was born at 23 weeks and is now 2.

Sharon

I am on the other side of the state ( Southwestern Virginia). In a small town called Hillsville about an hour and 15 minutes from Roanoke.

Well ever since they merged the Northern and Southern California MOD chapters together,and then the Communications Coordinator from the Southern Chapter has left nobody knows what is going on.

I haven't heard anything from anyone since last year at Walk America.I had to call my local chapter office closest to me,and ask about them mailing me some Walk America sponsorship form for my friends and family that I don't need to email.

The woman told me that they would need my help where they will be setting up at Griffith Park to help other parents.I told her that I would definitely be interested.I don't know if they will have us talk on stage,we will see as the time gets nearer.Our walk is on April 30th.

Last year Eleanor~Rose rode on an old fire engine,and she was very excited to ride on it.I don't know what will happen this year as the people at the chapters don't even know too well what is going on.LOL!

Anyways,I hope that once everyone is set with this big change that has been made,everything will work out fine,and I hope that I can do as much to help for the MOD as possible.

Karri -

We have a group at our hospital in Atlanta Georgia called Parents Partnered for Preemies. We arrange care bags for babies in the NICU, birthday parties for alums, staff appreciation days (staff snacks), family walk america team (which our hospital matches funds, yeah!). Anyway, if there is anything I can assist you with you start up this group let me know. If I can't answer you I will find somebody that can

Shannon

Wow Shannon!!

Thats awesome!! I would LOVE any information you can provide!!

I guess if you wouldn't mind could you send me all the information you have. I know thats very broad, but I'll take all the help I can get. I want this to be completely helpful to the parents.
Do you meet monthly, weekly? If you do, do you, have speakers, or just allow the parents to network, share stories, vent, cry!! My initial thoughts are to do a little of both. I'm thinking speakers can provide valuable information on EI, specialists,. While current parents can benefit also from simply talking about their baby and their day! I'm hoping to compile a list of veteran parents to be available to speak with and offer support to current parents. Maybe establish a mentor program of sorts.

Okay so I could go on with this for a loooonnnng time. I will try to contain myself for now. Thanks for all the help you can offer. My email is....klfriedenberger@ameritech.net

Thank you so much!
Karri

Karri -

I will send you a copy of our brochure and responses via e-mail!

Shannon

I would like to know some details of how the ambassadorship works, and the things that position might entail.

Anything you can forward would be appreciated. Thanks

Jarod was born at 25 weeks and is now 2 years old. we said we could start in the spring after RSV season, since this is his first winter without the synagis shots. We two would like to help others who are dealing with prematurity. We also have a daughter who was born at 42 weeks she was late. she was 5 when Jarod was born and she still is worried that he will die. Prematurity affects the whole family!

Hey, Proud Papa!!

How is Elliot doing? Did she have a happy birthday?

As far as details of the ambassadorship program, I am going to assume you are talking about being a local ambassador. It really is just a willingness to tell your story. The chapter may have you attend company kick off events to get the troops motivated, they may use your story on printed material, you may attend the local WalkAmerica kick off and tell your story, they may use you to tell your story to the media. I guess for the most part it is just a willingness to tell your story and help out where needed.

Hopefully we will have a more consistent local ambassador program, complete with training! Right now it is up to each individual chapter as to how their ambassadors are used.

I can tell you that it is an honor and a privilege and something that we really enjoyed! If I can help further, please let me know or contact your local chapter!!

Hugs!
Michele

Our family decided last year that we wanted to get involved and show our support. Last year our walk was in the fall and we were the local ambassador family for our area and told our story in the local paper. However, this year our walk has been switched to the spring and I am working as a walk representative/volunteer to organize our walk and spread the word that prematurity is a crisis throughout the whole U.S., not just in urban areas but small rural ones like I live too... I am learning that the local chapters have a lot of work that needs to be done year round not just at walk time. (My local chapter is 145 miles from my house - 3 hours away - but I am trying to do my best to help them as much as I am able because I believe that I can help others like us and want to do my part in the March of Dimes Fight!!) Stop in and volunteer to be on their family team committee, help spread the word to other families in your area. Help them do whatever they need to spread the mission. Keep trying to call them but if possible try to stop in and volunteer. Show your support, the smallest amount of time can really help alot!!! Take care and Good Wishes to all fellow PoPs!! Lisa

Our role was mostly to put a face on prematurity; to show it can happen to anyone. My main message in my speeches was that preterm labor can happen to any women of any race, religion and socio-economic background. Prematurity does not discriminate.

I gave a speech at kick-off for Walk America. I had a TV crew come to my house for the news segment on premature birth ( I disinfected them at the door... poor guys!). We had another TV crew there to film a commercial for Walk America. I did a newpaper interview over the phone, a photographer came to our house to shoot some photos of Logan. We did an appearance on a live local talk show to promote Walk and tell Logan's story. My family did the live broadcast the morning of Walk America and my husband gave a little blurb about why we got involved. I gave a speech a few moments before walk. We did fundraising and asked for donations. That was mostly our role. We have also made phone calls, stuffed envelopes, and just "made a presence" to make ourselves available for questions.

What do you need to become an ambassador family? Hope you're not shy! LOL! Mostly the only thing you need to be able to do is articulate how prematurity affected your family. The willingness to share your story is how the March of Dimes spreads its purpose on a PERSONAL level. Everyone can read statistics. To see an actual preemie baby says more than any stat sheet ever could.

I had to laugh about the mention of Shy!?!?!? 'cause I am a wallflower by nature, but I am getting over it REALLY FAST, Being involved in the March of Dimes definitely will bring out qualities and emotions that you never thought or imagined existed!!! LOL Wish me luck -I have a radio spot on Thursday & will be at our Team Captain Kickoff talking on Thusday night....and am planning on giving several talks to out local hospital's prenatal class throughout the year.....I am NERVOUS!!! BUT FEEL A PASSION FOR THIS!!!Sending Some more ((HUGS)) to all!!!

Good luck, Lisa!! You'll do a great job. Passion inspires greatness!!

Go Keely!

Donna

Lisa... You go girl!!!! I'll be thinking of you Thursday. Let me know how it goes. Keely must be one amazing little girl if she can inspire her self-acclaimed "wallflower" mom to go center stage.

I just found out today that I'll be working at a Baby Fair. There will be lots and lots of expecting parents there. I am manning a MOD booth. So here is my question to all of you POPs out there...

What do you know NOW that you wish someone had told you while you were expecting???

I wish someone would have given me a clue as to what a contraction really felt like. I don't know what I thought it would feel like, but after going into the hospital pre-term with Ryley, and telling the nurses what had been going on for a couple of weeks, they told me I had been having contractions! I felt like an idiot!
The other thing I would have wanted to know was to let go of my "schedule" for anything for at least a few months after baby's arrival. That was the most stressful thing after bringing Ryley home....

Donna

Thank you for your support!!! The radio spot went great!!! I was a bit nervous at the beginning but by the end I thought that I could actually be there all day!! (I was on for an hour but with commercials and songs in between each spot-it was probably more like a 1/2 hour) We talked about our Kickoff, WalkAmerica, our involvement in MOD...) Kick off went even better than I thought tonight too...My next speaking engagement...Prenatal Class in about two weeks... What has possessed me??!!?!? LOL!! Lisa

Well, Lis.... it's official. You have shed the wallflower persona. One who does radio spots and prenatal classes can't be a meek, wallflower. Now you are an empowered POP with a message!

I'm thrilled the radio spot went well and I know you'll know just what to say to those pregnant mommas!

You go girl!

hi
i'm writing to ask if anyone knows what a mission story would be. I've been asked to present one to the group of walkers this sunday at the walk america walk in our town. She also said we might be interested in being an ambassador family for next year (local) I would love to do it but am a little shy does anyone have any advice forme? Thanks Kim

My walk is this Saturday on the 30.It's a double duty day for me and Eleanor~Rose as I have the walk in the morning and then in the late afternoon our dance group is having their first performance in a long line of Cinco De Mayo performances for the upcoming week.

I am a little distressed though.I have called my California chapter to see what they were going to do for this years Walk America,last year I spoke on stage with another mom,and we kicked off the walk,it was wonderful.

Eleanor~Rose is a Local Ambassador,but they have not called us once for anything this past year,so I called them to see what was happening.Well I was told that they received complaints from last year that too many people spoke last year.It was mostly from the companies who donate their checks,as there were just two Ambassadors.

So they told me that this year they are only having one main speaker,the National Director of Community Affairs&Sponsorship,and then they told me that there was going to be a space for Ambassador families and that we could go there and they would let me know about it.

I still have not heard back from them,and when I did call back to ask,no one knew what was going on as of yet,and that they would call me back,they still have not returned my call,and I am just so frustrated.I feel like they have no use for me,and I know that it's wrong for me to feel like this,but I can't help it.

I feel as if I am reaching out to them,and they just keep turning away from me.I know that it's going to be tough walking in the morning,and then dancing in the afternoon,but this cause is just so important to me.Oh well,sorry for the ranting vent,I just needed to get this out of my system,nbecause I just feel so down right now.

Hope that everyones elses walks in the near future all go well for you.

Deborah&Eleanor~Rose.