Walking for Babies

Before we had kids of our own, I got involved in a Community Involvement Team with a few co-workers. One of the activities that we were involved in was the annual March of Dimes Walk America, now called the March for Babies. At that time, we set up one of the four rest stops along the walk route where we handed out snacks and water to the walkers. Once Clayton was born, I decided that after helping set up the rest stop, I'd head to the Start Line and join the walkers to check out the rest of the route. The following year, we started fundraising and helping raise awareness for babies born prematurely or with birth defects.

Clayton was born right on time, with no complications, perfect delivery... and we continued our campaign with the March of Dimes. When Cole was born, things were a little different. He was born nearly a month early and by emergency C-section as a result of a placental abruption. He weighed 4 pounds 7 ounces and was 17 inches long. After one week in the Intensive Care Nursery, we brought him home weighing 4 pounds 9 ounces, with word from his doctor that everything was fine, "he's just little." It was at that moment that we realized the true fragility of a child's life. That no matter how things have gone in the past or how much care you take during your pregnancy, there is always That Chance.  

So we made a promise to continue our March for Babies commitment, always keeping in mind that even though our little guy's arrival was scary, it does not pale in comparison to what other families experience. Case in point - our dear friends Logan, Owen and Ryan. Chris went to high school with their dad, Kyle. Kyle and Sarah are the parents of triplet boys, born at 29 weeks, weighing 2.7, 2.2 and 2.4 pounds each! Their stay in the NICU was much more extensive and stressful than ours was, and we are thrilled to have 3 - 3 year old buddies for our little guys to grow up with!

We really enjoy spending the morning with Logan, Owen and Ryan and remembering just how fortuate and blessed each of us are. 

After the walk, it was time for the annual family portrait sessions! We had hoped Daddy would be able to join us this year, but he hurt his foot and was not able to walk with us. Hopefully next year!

And all the kids together!  

After lunch, it was time to play on the playground for a while before we headed home. We all had such a fun day! We would like to THANK each of our supporters who helped us raise a grand total of $1,230 to help premature babies and babies born with birth defects! We can not tell you how much your support and generosity means to us! Thank you so much!

March for Babies with the March of Dimes

This year marked the sixth year that I have participated in the annual March of Dimes March for Babies event. What started out as a community service effort with some co-workers, handing out water and snacks to walkers, has become a very special day for our family!
When Clayton was born, I decided to leave my post at the water station and join the walkers, and the 3rd year, I started fundraising. Clayton was a full term, perfectly healthy baby boy and it pulled at my heart to see so many families walking in support of their little ones who were born very premature, some weighing only a pound or less. Why were we so fortunate and others not?

When Cole arrived a month early, he was considered a late-preterm infant and due to labor complications, he spent a week in the ICN. What a wake up call it was for us that sometimes, things are just not perfect and do not run smoothly, no matter what you do. We were So fortunate that little Cole was only "early and just small", with no problems or complications. Again, we considered ourselves extremely fortunate and will return to support the March of Dimes each year.

Clayton was so excited to be able to walk down the middle of the street!

After the walk, we met up with the DeKleva Family Team! Kyle is a friend of Chris' from high school. He and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of 2 year-old triplets! They were born at 29 weeks and all weighed approximately 2 lbs. They had a much longer road than we can imagine and it's always fun to see them!

Thank You for helping us raise $1,425 for premature babies this year!

Bringing our grand total to over $3,700!

The boys enjoyed some play time at the park before we headed home. Clayton had a great time with Logan, Owen & Ryan... I wish I could have grabbed some pictures of them!

Thank you so much for your support the past 3 years. We are blessed with so many generous friends and family members, and we can't thank you enough! We are thrilled to be helping such a special cause, and be able to share it with the boys! Clayton has already asked about next year... "Us a-go on dat walk again nex time, Mom?" Absolutely, little buddy! Absolutely!

March of Dimes Update - and - A Visit to the Dentist

THANK YOU to each of you who contributed to our annual March of Dimes campaign! Clayton and I walked in the Modesto walk this year - we opted for the April event since I was 7 months pregnant!

As always, we had a great time - this year we got to walk with Team DeKleva! Logan, Owen & Ryan are 17 month old triplets who also participate in the walk each year.

This year Clayton & I raised $925 to benefit premature babies - we thank you very much for your support and are looking forward to taking Cole with us next year!

Clayton had his first dental exam this year! He did a great job - sitting still the whole time!

March of Dimes

Team Cargill

Finally... our March of Dimes update!

In May, Clayton & I participated in the Stockton March of Dimes event. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You to each and every one of you who contributed towards our goal of $1,000. Thanks to your generosity, our grand total was $1,420!

We can't thank you enough for helping us increase awareness for babies born prematurely. We were one of the fortunate families, who was blessed with a baby who was born just right. Every day we are thankful for that gift and our hearts go out to those who have a more difficult beginning.

Next year, we plan to participate in the Stockton & Modesto events... In November, a close friend of Chris' from high school became the father of triplet boys - born at 29.5 weeks. Ryan, Owen & Logan are now just over 8 months old and are doing great... next year we'll walk with them in Modesto.

Clayton & Kylie ride in the wagon during the walk...

Jessica & Dustin, from Ellen's office

March for Babies

This year, Clayton and Mommy will again participate in the annual March of Dimes - March for Babies walk in Stockton.

The money we raise will go to help save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through March for Babies, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.

Click on the link below to help us reach our goal! Your contribution is tax deductable. Thank you for your support!



**Durrer Family Blog updates coming soon --- We Promise!