Monica and I are going to be doing the March of Dimes WalkAmerica here in Washington on April 30. Most know that our son, Alijah, was born about three months early on January 9, 2004. At 1 lb 13 oz, he was a sight to behold - very frightening as a new parent. Through the help of the March of Dimes, we have facilities where babies that are born at this size/weight can survive. It is just amazing to me that we have a perfectly healthy 15 month old little guy, when even a few years ago his birth circumstances would have meant certain death.

If you would like to sponsor us on our walk to help give babies a fighting chance, you can visit our March of Dimes WalkAmerica site and pledge any amount you are willing to give to this cause. You can also read the story of Alijah’s birth and journey through everything that led up to where he is today at our sponsor site as well, written by my wife Monica. Here is an excerpt:

Our son was in the NICU for 8 weeks on the respirator, had abdominal surgery when he was just 2 weeks old, not even 2 lbs yet, that was the first time we were able to hold him, only for a moment, while he was being transferred to the incubator for surgery. He fought through many blood infections and transfusions, through the miracle of God he came through all of it with flying colors. It was a rollercoaster ride that no parent should have to go through, sitting by your childs bed feeling so helpless, while they fight for just a breath.