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.

1st Annual Sweet Tooth Gala & Silent Auction

Normally I wouldn't be promoting anything that's main event is sugar-filled desserts. But I have to make an exception in this case. The Sweet Tooth Gala is fundraiser to support Hole In The Roof ministries, which is located here in St. Louis. They provide a variety of important services to the needy in our area, including a food pantry.

On Oct. 2, at 6:30 pm they will start with a silent auction, which features some really great stuff. So far I've heard mention of Laser Teeth Whitening, Autographed St. Louis Rams mini-helmet, scuba diving, stained glass art, and much more. I'm also very proud to announce that one of my photos will be up for auction as well. I'm honored that my work will be among such great items and will benefit such a great cause!

No, I'm not gonna make you wait to see what I'm donating. Here is the finished product, ready for delivery to the auction. (I signed the photo as well in the lower right hand corner)



I really hope it does well for them.

At 7 p.m. they will open the Dessert Buffet, which will feature desserts from some of the city's best restaurants. It's free and open to ages 13 and up, so if you are in the area, I urge you to come and check it out! (I won't urge you to eat though.. lol) I would have loved it had they chosen something other than desserts to share. But they didn't ask for my input. :-)

Will I be going? Probably not. I don't think hubby or I would enjoy being around all the sweets and not try something. They are still a bit of a weakness for us both if we don't have lc desserts on hand. The other reason? I'd be mortified if my photo does poorly and I was there to witness it. I'd rather find out after the fact. I know.. that's negative thinking. Actually, it's the thinking of someone who isn't yet secure in her abilities. But I'll get there.

Please help support the March of Dimes

My sister Lana, and I, are participating in the March of Dimes Walk America. For those of you who don't know, the March of Dimes foundation work to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. This is a great reason to help in itself. But there is a very special reason I'm asking for your help today....

Lana's boyfriend has a teenage son, Julian, who was born 4 months premature. He had a variety of health issues and was given a very grim prognosis. This wonderful young man has overcome the odds! He's a great kid, and as Lana has said, I'm proud to know him.

The other reason is my own daughter, Rachel, was born with heart problems. While I'm glad to say that she's now a healthy 8 year old, my heart still aches when I think back to it. Here is a picture of her, just hours after she was born, with all the monitor wires hanging off of her:




Please consider making a donation of any size to help with this cause. To donate, and learn more about Julian, Rachel and what the March of Dimes works towards, please visit the following links:

Lana walking for Julian


Me walking for Rachel


It would mean a lot to me, my family and others who have been affected by birth defects.