March for Babies

April 24, 2010 was the day we'd been anticipating for months. Our first March For Babies. Team Remarkable Robbie raised nearly $2,800 total. More than half of that came from a couple of our last minute walkers, Sherry & J. Their son, Gus, was born full term but with a birth defect known as esophageal atresia. He spent 107 days in the same NICU in which Robbie spent 96 days. But the rest of the team did very well, too.

Considering my original goal was $500, I don't think we did half bad. I was moved to tears several times when I saw the continued generosity of our friends, family members, coworkers and even perfect strangers. Thank you so much to all who gave!

The day started early. We hoped to be at the walk site in Forest Park by 8am. The walk was slated to begin at 9. That meant our day began around 6. As Robbie doesn't normally rise until after 8, he was a little discombobulated, but mostly in a good mood.

We arrived at the site. The first indication we were in the right place was all the balloons.

It was still early. There were plenty of people there, setting up booths and preparing to meet the walkers.

My company, AT&T, had a booth. Sadly, there was no one working it, so it was just a sign and an empty table. Wish I knew someone in marketing to complain to.

The March of Dimes did a photo-op of all the preemies in attendance. They were all given blue "I was a preemie.." shirts for the photo op.

Sherry made Robbie a stroller sign showing just how far he's come. "From Small Beginnings..." indeed.

Grandpa is here!

David's not so thrilled about the early hour, either.

The back of our T-shirts.

Grandpa insisted on getting the Ram's cheerleaders autographs. "For Robbie," of course.

Sherry and Gus arrive

And J & Charlie, too.

Robbie's still trying to figure out what is going on.

Some more mom friends and their kids join us as well.

Clare

Mia

Jenn & Becca

Uh-Oh. It's almost race time and Robbie is out cold!

But we're off anyway

Our team is off to a good start.

Gus is a lot livelier than Robbie.

J and Charlie can't be held back any more. They jog ahead.

Oh hey, Robbie's awake again. Maybe this is fun after all.

Nearing the end. Gus needs a stroller break.

Finally the end! Megan walked the whole 3 miles in spite of being 36 weeks pregnant. She's spent!

Grandpa and Robbie hit the snack tents before we head out for the day.

It turned out to be a good day for a walk. It stormed all night and again later in the day, but minus the occasional very light drizzle, we all stayed dry. The news reported 10,000 walkers marched for babies that day. St. Louis is the 9th largest walk in the U.S.

We were very proud to be part of it and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Hope to see some of you there, as well!

--Trish