Hello everyone:

We are reaching out to friends and family for what is an important even coming up on Sunday, April 25^th . Anthony, Daniel and myself will be walking and raising money for the March of  Dimes, as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Team. The event is at  Rutgers University – RAC, located at 83 Rockafeller Road Piscataway, NJ  08854.

We are asking you to Join us and be part of our team.

Anthony and I , and of course Daniel, participated in this walk last year, and it was a very moving experience for us… seeing many of our nurses and doctors that directly cared for Daniel during his stay in the hospital and being able to walk side-by-side with thosethat helped to give Daniel the promise of life.  And just as inspiring, were the thousands of other many families and children directly affected by premature births, and other serious health issues.

But the March of Dimes efforts are not just limited to decreasing premature births. It is the leading non profit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  It is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, infant mortality, as well as premature births.

However, for reasons largely unknown, more than 460,000 babies are born prematurely in the U.S. every year, many so small that their lives hang in the balance.  These premature babies can suffer lifelong consequences such as mental retardation, blindness, chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy. While most survive, some are so tiny that doctors can’t save them.

The problem of prematurity has always been an important target for the March of Dimes’ mission to save babies because of its close relationship to birth defects, infant mortality and low birthweight.  However, the alarming increase in premature births over the last decade plus has prompted the March of Dimes to launch a new campaign to raise further  public awareness of the problem of prematurity and, ultimately, to find ways to reduce the occurrence of premature birth.

Obviously, since Daniel was born so severely premature, Anthony and I learned first hand the severity of any premature birth. While we have been blessed that Daniel is now a healthy baby, we realize the miracle that has happened in our lives, and that not every baby before him, or after, will be as fortunate. This is why we feel so strongly about supporting an organization that directly impacts the lives of children, those here now and those lives yet to be,.

Please join us by participating in the walk with us and by donating to the March of Dimes. Your donations will help the organization continue its research, programs, and educational campaigns.

We understand that given this current economy, the huge sacrifice it is to ask for our family and friends to find the extra dollars to give. But it is so true to say that any and all donations at ANY level will help.

But most of all, we would be honored to walk with you on April 25^th, as it is your support and love that helped us through our long journey with Daniel, and keeps us strong for any obstacles Daniel may face in the future as a former premature baby.

Dust off your walking or running shoes, and get ready to join us on April 25^th. Free t-shirts will also be given to designated ourselves as part of the DANIEL TEAM. And best of all, Daniel will be giving out Free Hugs to all those that cross the finish line!!

And finally this event will be yet another way for Anthony and I to express our continued love and gratitude to you all. Without you, life would not be as wonderful as it is!