Babies everywhere need your help

Hey everyone! It's that time of year again. The time where I talk about the March of Dimes. As my long-time readers know, my daughter Rachel had some problems when she was born. While we never got any clear cut answers, we did benefit from the research and the technology that organizations like the March of Dimes have funded. But a few years behind that, my nephew Julian also needed the life-saving help that many preemies need. From my sister's MOD March for Babies page:

As many of you know Chris′ son Julian was born 4 months premature at just over a pound. Julian had many complications and as a result had surgery to help close a cardiac anomaly known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and laser eye surgery due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)---both problems common to premature babies. He also had surgeries to repair Bilateral and Inguinal Hernias as well as procedures to alleviate cranial pressure due to hemorrhages.

When Julian was born (mid-term) the doctors gave him a 20% chance to live. They told his family that if he did make it through alive, he would certainly have one or more disabilities including cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, mental retardation and other arrested development.

Julian was strong and was able overcome all the odds stacked against him. He has worked through his asthma by being active in soccer and swimming. Through ocular therapy, he was able to improve his vision to the point where he wears contacts. Chris is a proud father of a healthy teenager, Boy Scout, big brother, honor student and scholastic mentor.

The March of Dimes funds research to try to prevent premature birth and birth defects. It also helps expectant mothers with prenatal care. If you know Julian you know the world would be a much different place without him. I am proud to know him and happy to be apart of his life.

Please help with what ever you can for this important and life changing cause.

Thank you!

Julian, my sister Lana and my brother-in-law Chris

Julian is an exceptional young man and a blessing in our lives. I can't imagine what life would be like for so many of us if organizations like the March of Dimes weren't dedicated to seeing the end of premature births and birth defects.

I know times are tough right now. We are all trying to stretch those dollars as far as we can. If you can find it in your heart to help this organization who have helped so many for so long, we would all be very grateful. My sister is participating once again in this years March for Babies and has set her goal at a very low $300. She's just over half way there and has just over a week left. If you'd like to help babies everywhere, please visit her MOD page for more information. I've also added a MOD widget above in the sidebar for those who may decide to help before the deadline of April 6th.

Thank you from all the Rachel's and Julian's of the world, and those who love them.