March of Dimes Ambassador Family

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

We are the Ambassador Family for the State of Alabama for 2005. It is so exciting and rewarding to share our story and the mission of the March of Dimes. We are so forunate to have family and friends to assist us in all our fundraising endeavors and in the past five months we have raised over $4000.00.

We have learned to continue our fundraising efforts throughout the year. Last year we had a Progressive Dinner, Breakfast with Santa, Letter writing campaign, and sold handmade crafts for various holiday seasons. We also made a Mommy and Me craft book for the 2004 walk which raised more than 2500.00.

Remember that you do not have the title of March of Dimes Ambassador to be an ambassador for the mission. Simply share your story with someone and let them know how they can help to save other tiny babies.

Kim Kervin

Deborah - I can just see you guys holding hands across the finish line! I too forgot the picture of me and my son this year . It was windy and cold so I had him all bundled up at the start and thought I would get a picture of us at the end and just forgot! I was so upset with myself but I'll journal about it in my scrapbook and that way he can remember it too. Best to you and Eleanor Rose!

Hey there!
Sorry it took me so long to reply... I don't check this board as often as I'd like (work tends to get in the way of it a little- lol). Walk is next weekend and I still have no clue how long I have to talk. Hopefully I'll know by this afternoon. My speech at the hospital was about 5 minutes so maybe I'll plan on the same. I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm planning on taking a "diaper" from the hospital to show a little scale. I'm getting excited. Anyhow, we were not at Swedes- we were at Rockford Memorial for my delivery and Tyler's entire stay. We could have transferred out the last month of his stay but opted not to. We had a great experience there and have made some wonderful friendships with some of the families and nurses. Do you live in Rockford now? Nice to meet you. Hope you have a great day!
Christy

Hi Karen! My daughter was born at Hermann so your post caught my eye! Morgan was a 27-weeker, 630 grams. She was an ambassador for the '93 and '94 walks in Victoria. She's 13 now and a great, funny, teenager!

Juli

Well everyone walk is over for another year. Now is the time to become an ambassador family for the March of Dimes. It is truly the most rewarding experience. I have loved being a part of the ambassador family program by sharing our story with people. I reallly feel we have educated people on the problems of preemies. If you would like to join the many families who have gone before you contact your local chapter or email me at tevert@frontiernet.net. I live in Rochester NY and am the coordinator. An ambassador family does many things you can speak to groups do media events offer pictures and your story in written form. There are many ways you can help spread the mission!!! Thanks for ;your time.
Tracey Evert

Hi all!

I was talking to a "friend" the other day, and mentioned that we would like to be considered for a local ambassador family one year, and my friend asked if MOD would really want to make a child with disabilities an ambassador because it might make them look bad.

I told her I didn't think it mattered because MOD doesn't discriminate and they know all preemies are special blessings whether they have disabilities or not.

I am right about that...right?

Just double checking,
Page

Page,

You are absolutely right! Unfortunately, many babies who are born prematurely have disabilities, sometimes very serious disabilities. This is part of the preemie package.

Our children are incredible miracles any way you look at at...but some are deaf, some are blind, some have cp, some have mr, and the list goes on and on....The March of Dimes mission is to find the answers to keep babies from being born early...and then fund research for when they are in the NICU....or for the very sick full term babies who need special care too.

If one thinks that MOD would deny a child with a disability the chance to be one of the many beautiful faces that represent MOD...then maybe that person should become more studied in what the MOD does. That is easy too....there is gobs of information just waiting for someone, like your friend, to get their hands on!

Hugs,

Melissa Middleton

Page,

You're right... looking at a few of the ambassadors from my state we have representatives who have CP, Down's Syndrome and a cranofacial abnormality. They are beautiful kids with very dedicated parents to the MOD and the cause. They were chosen because of their willingness to help and their ability to tell their story... not because of their child's (dis)abilities.

Your "friend" needs to visit marchofdimes.com! I think you can find some of the families online... by clicking on your state or entering your zip code. Anyone remember the details of how?

Re-reading my response to your post...I would also like to say....though my child is a preemie..the March of Dimes represents a wide variety of babies...who also are full term. What an awesome organization. They leave no child out of the scope of their support and funding for research!

Melissa

want my wife and i to become an ambassador family how do we go about it have pku and was born 2 months premature how do we become ambassadores?

Hi there!

Thanks for your interest in becoming an ambassador family! Your local chapter will be able to provide you all of the information. If you can't find them or don't know where they are, please feel free to email me at jsoohoo@marchofdimes.com. Please send me your name, city, state, zip and phone number.

Thanks again!

- James SooHoo
March of Dimes, National Office

I would like to be an ambassador family. I am the mom of 3 preemies, Brandon 33 weeks, Michael 24 weeks, and Emily 33 weeks.

Can I get more info on this??

Thanks,
Sherry

Hey, Sherry!

Either contact your local chapter or let me know where you are located at and we will have the chapter get in touch with you!

Thanks for being willing to give back!

Hugs!
Michele

Dear Michele,

Can you please fill me in on what your and your daughter's duties were as Natl Ambassador? Also, how much travel was involved? Did she miss a lot of school? Please email me directly at rnd528@aol.com.
Thanks!!!
Debbie, mom to Sienna Emily, 26 weeker now 8 and local Ambassador in South Florida

Debbie,

I just sent you an e-mail! Look forward to hearing from you!

Hugs to you and Sienna!
Michele

Hi Michele. I'm Cathy and mom to 30 weeker Shannon who is now 7 and in the 2nd grade. Our familiy is extremely involved with special needs children ( I am an educational advocate), and we would love to hear more about the ambassador program. Can you send me some info?
My e-mail is codminguez@yumaregional.org

Thank you.

Michele,

We would be interested in being a ambassador family. Where do I get the information? Kathryn

Let me know where you are at so we can get you in touch with your local chapter!

Hugs!
Michele

I live in Apalachin Ny. We are about an hour from Syracuse, and just about 10 minutes from Binghamton (all in NY) Thanks Kathryn