Speechless

photo courtesy of JustOneMiss

Saturday was the March of Dimes March for Babies. Or as most of us had started to refer to it as March for Maddie.

I was insanely early as usual, arriving at the meeting spot a full hour before everyone else. I had ordered a tshirt but was not positive that one in my size would be procurred so I covered myself in head to toe purple just in case.

We had a great crowd show up for our team alone I think there were about 75 of us gathered to March for Maddie. (photo courtesy of Megan)

Image by adriennevh via Flickr

Sherri Shephard and Michael Cooper were the Masters of Ceremonies. Sherri is the mom of a NICU Graduate and has been a voice for March of Dimes for quite a while.

We set out on our way after the opening

Image by adriennevh via Flickr

ceremonies. I'm not gonna lie, it was hard for me. 3 miles was a long way and the knees and hips were cramping and slipping multiple times. But I did it, I crossed the finish line and waited to cry until I got back in the car alone. I did poop out and not join in on any todo's afterwards because honestly the two pain pills I had saved for this event did me absolutely no good whatsoever.

I know others that have lost children, this is not a new phenomenom. However, the spotlight is not usually placed on greiving parents. they are not usually expected to "perform" or appear in public or speak to a crowd of over 10,000. I don't know how these two have held themselves together but I am in such awe of them and respect them greatly for it.

I leave you with this, Heather and Mike speaking at the opening ceremonies, telling everyone who Maddie is. I will tell you that everyone on the dias and everyone in the crowd stood when they finished and I can bet there wasn't a dry eye in the house. We all miss you Maddie Moo.

Video Courtesy of Rachel

Memorial

It is 2:30pm in Los Angeles, I am sitting in the Old North Church at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. All around the world bloggers are remembering Maddie. Please join us in a moment of silence.

Why?

Why does it take the death of a child for people all over the country - nee world - to assemble walking teams that instead of being in her stead will now have to be in her memory?

Why does it take the death of a child for hundreds if not thousands to donate to a cause that a month or so ago when her mother first sought donations, they didn't at that time deem worthy enough?

Why does it take the debilitating of a celebrity to being a disease and its research and cure finding to the forefront of people's minds?

Why does it take the death of a battered spouse to bring legislation to those in need?

Why?

Maddie

A while back I introduced you to Maddie and her Mom Heather. I mentioned to you that I was walking in the March of Dimes Walkathon on team Maddie and asked for your help in raising money. You came through and helped, and I thnak you.

Yesterday, April 7, 2009, Madeline Alice Spohr passed away. She left us with only memories of her amazing smile and her beautiful spirit. I had the distinct privlege of meeting and receiving a hug from Maddie just a few weeks ago at a blogger event and although adorable in her pictures, they truly didn't do her justice.

Many people around the world are mourning the loss of Miss Maddie, it is a trending topic on Twitter, and The Spohr's Are Multiplying website has been enundated with condolences.

There will never be the right words to say but to simply say we will miss her will have to be enough.

March of Dimes walk

On April 25, 2009 I am planning on going for a walk. I don't walk far or often but this cause is a very worthy one and yes it is worth going 3 miles even with my arthritic knees.

My grandchildren, Madilyn and Matthew were born 8 weeks premature. Thankfully they are both home and healthy (knock on something for me please, thanks). But many many other preemie babies are not so lucky. they stay in the NICU for months on end and require an extraordinary amount of help from many resources.

The March of Dimes is one of the major resources. The money they raise is used in many ways:

- support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
- educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
- provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
- push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children

I remember joining the March of Dimes walkathon as a kid. My mom and my siblings and I and about a gajillion others walking the streets of downtown Detroit with our pledge forms in hand. I also recall having a folder from school (St. Gabriel's in Southwest Detroit) with slots to collect dimes for the March of Dimes during the Lent season.

I am going join the walkathon (I don't think they call it that anymore tho) again, only this time I have joined team Maddie. Maddie is an adorable 1 year old whose momma I met through Twitter and Maddie has had a rough time of it for the past year. She is currently suffering from another bout of RSV and is attached to her "oxygen rocket" at home.

But I need your help. I have set a pretty conservative goal, knowing that tough times have not only hit my house but the houses of those around me as well. My fundraising goal is $100. Can you help me reach this goal? It's quite easy actually just click on the widget below and then follow the directions. $1, $2, $5, every little bit counts.

Madilyn and Matthew thank you, Maddie and her mom thank you, and I most of all thank you.