March of Dimes Ambassador Family

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.

Hello!
We are the ambassador family in Stephenson County (Freeport), Illinois this year. Our son Tyler was born October 16th, 2003 weighing 2lbs 10oz, 15" long. He was in the NICU 78 days and is now a happy, healthy 1 1/2 yr old. We've had a lot of fun so far with the ambassador program. Now I am preparing for my speech at walk (eek!) May 14th. Any suggestions on how long/what to say?
Christy

Hey, Christy!

Congratulations!!! I few thoughts on your speech for Walk. I am sure that your chapter has given you an allotted time, it is usually pretty short (1-2 minutes) because there is so much going on Walk day! Here is my $.02 on Walk day speeches.

1. Recap your child's story quickly. Weeks gestation, weight, how long in the NICU and how he is doing now.
2. Thank you, thank you, thank you..."because of people like you giving of their time and money, my son Tyler is here with us today!" and/or "On behalf of families of premature babies everywhere, let me say Thank You!!"
3. Keep up the good work! and let's celebrate!

It is really a party atmosphere during Walk and you are their biggest cheerleader!! You will do GREAT!!! Let us know how it goes!

Hugs!
Michele

Deborah,

I am so sorry you are feeling disheartened! I also want to say THANK YOU for your commitment and willingness to participate! A chapter is under a lot of pressure to please a lot of people the day of Walk. There are so many people to thank, acknowledge, etc...that time gets away. The atmosphere is a party one, as you know, and I sometimes wonder how much people are really listening anyway! BUT The most important thing is that they are there and willing to give of their time and energy to help us save babies!!!

Don't give up, you keep making yourself available! Who knows, maybe your story being told to those around you as you walk with generate a lot of excitement and touch somebody very deeply!!! Call the chapter again, hopefully you will get the answers you are looking for! Join the other families and enjoy the celebration!!!!

HUGS! and thanks again!!
Michele

Dear Deborah,

I am so sorry to hear that you feel discouraged with Walk, because the March of Dimes absolutely needs you!!!!!

The courage, inspiration and experience of you and your daughter are exactly why all the staff and volunteers do what they do! Even if the chapter is a little too busy to respond to everyone right now, your presence talking to, sharing with and supporting other families at the Walk means the world to everyone!!!!

Sounds like you are a very dedicated mom going to the Dance and the Walk in one day!!! The March of Dimes thanks you for every moment of time you devote to the cause of prematurity. Thank you for all you do and when things are calmer, I am sure you can reconnect with the chaper!

Warmly,

Liza Cooper
Director, March of Dimes NICU Family Support
(today's SHARE moderator)

Thanks Michelle. You said it perfectly. That said, Deborah, I'm so sorry you're feeling disheartened. We really do value and appreciate all that you do for us. Like Michelle mentioned, the chapter staff are feeling really overwhelmed right now with WalkAmerica. It takes a lot to put one on! I'm sure that we can have you speak at one of our other events. I'll call the chapter on Monday and let them know that you're still very interested in volunteering. Thanks again!

- James

Christy!

Hey... Freeport! I grew up in the Rockford area. I know Pretzel-territory. (OK, I admit it, I was a cheerleader That was over 10 yrs ago!). I also have been to the races there at the track. Now I know why I don't like Nascar... LOL!

What I did for my Walk speech was exactly what Michele said.

Thank you thank you thank you! For coming here to donate your time and dollars to save babies like Logan. We couldn't do it without you!

I gave L's gestation age, size and compared it to things they would be able to visualize.... length of a ruler, head the size of a baseball, toes the size of tic-tacs, etc.

Mostly, I just tried to be enthusiastic and excited about their participation and attendance. Was Tyler at Swedes in Rkfd? Welcome to SHARE!

Michelle,Liza,and James,

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.I did call the chapter today,and they did inform me that there was a station for the Ambassador Familes to go to.I guess they will tell us what we will do while we are there.

I feel silly getting all riled up like this.From my understanding,they have now merged the Northern and Southern California Chapters together as one whole,so things are so crazy they couldn't get the answers.

I did apologize to them for calling and bothering them so much,but they were very sweet to me.I just told them that I wanted to be more of a part of the walk,then just walking.

My first year walking,I was alone,I didn't even take my daughter,because of her health issues,and then I wasn't sure about the course of the walk,as I hd never been to that park before,when I crossed that finish line I was so full of emotion that I had to keep walking to find a place by myself,or I would have broken down right there at the finish line.

Last year Eleanor~Rose was an Ambassador,and we were right on stage with the Actress from The Series show "Soul Food" Vanessa Williams,it was just an awesome feeling to bein by myself one time,then having all these people looking at me while I spoke of my daughter's early birth,and struggle to live.

We didn't stay long after she rode on the fire truck,as my mom was sick,I then got sick the following week,as I got Bronchitis.LOL!I didn't dance that year.This year I am going with my father,and hope to stay for a good while,but then I must get home to get ready for our performance.

I love my dancing,and MOD,I cringed when I heard that our first performance was to be April 30,but all I said was "Well the walk is in the morning,so I can do both" I don't know how I'll fell after,but I know it will be fantastic.

Thank you again for all your kind words,and support it really meant the world to me.Take care,and have a beautiful weekend.

Deborah&Eleanor~Rose.

Well Eleanor~Rose and I had our walk yesterday,and all I can say is that it was just AWESOME!

We got there early I registered,then went to the VIP tent to see where they were having the Ambassador Family station.They were very nice,and they told me that the tent was to hang out at after we finished our walk.

I thought that Eleanor~rose would stay with my dad while I walked.She then told me that she wanted to go with me,and that she wanted me to puch her in the stroller.I didn't want her to get too tired by walking as we had a dance performance that later afternoon,so I pushed her in the stroller.

I thought the first time I walked was tough,well pushing a stroller was hard.LOL!When we got to the last mile marker,she then informed that she wanted to walk a bit,so I let her,and then told her if she got too tired to let me know and I'd put her back in the stroller.

She got a tired once,then wanted out again.I told her that as we got close to the finish line I would let her know then take her out so she could walk withme and cross the finish line.

As we neared the line,I took her out and we held hands and crossed the finishline.Many MOD volunteers were there to give us high fives,including one of the big bosses from the City of L.A.(he was waiting to high five all his employees who walked) seeing my daughter walking and high fiving all these people got me extremely emotional,that I just picked her up after,hugged her,and told her that I loved her,and was so proud of her,and I just broke down completely,and started to cry right there.

After I was asked to help judge the T-shirt contest,and help pick what we felt were the the three best T-Shirt designs.We chose the City of L..A. for the Best Creative,the DMV for Best Theme,and then we all chose K-Mart for the Best Overall.they announced the winners between one of the bands that was playing there.we had a wonderful time,but had to leave because I still had many things to get ready for our performance.

My onnly regret was that I had left my camera in my purse,and it was underneath the stroller,and I wasn't able to have my dad take a picture of us with it,but the memorise of this walk with my daughter by my side and the feelings that overwhelemed at tat very moment of crossing the finish line will remain with me forever.

How I was able to dance later that afternoon was beyond me,but I did it,and I am not even sore or achey at all,but still very emotiona,I guess that I will be this way forever nore,it's just a part of who I am.I mean I was an emotionally sensitive person to begin with,but my daughter early birth has made me even more than before.

Anyways we have another dance performance today,and then the group has three performances for the 5th of May,but I can only make the evening show as the first two are in the morning,and I can't afford to miss work.Then the group will dance at the school where I work on Friday(I am the cook in the cafeteria) so we have a busy week coming up.

Thank you all for your help and support,it truly means alot to me knowing that you all care about my feelings,and I hope that everyone else's walks are as joyous and wonderful as mines was.Have a wonderful rest of the weekend,and Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Deborah&Eleanor~Rose