When I was pregnant with Naomi we learned she was smaller than she "should be" at about 20 weeks. We quickly were referred to a high-risk pregnancy doctor who then tracked her development and growth over several extra ultrasounds and scans. They finally decided she was okay, on a growth curve, just on her own growth curve and not the one the dcotors said she should be on. She was born, on her due date, at a healthy but still small 6 pounds 10 ounces. We picked Nemours for her pedatric care but I never could have guessed how grateful I would become for that deliriously-made decision. Over her first few days of life, Nae lost over 10% of her body weight, exerienced jaundice, and was rehospitalized. It was one of the most terrifying weeks of my life. 

For her entire first year Nae wasn't even on the growth chart. She continued steadily tracking on her own growth curve but it was never even in the lowest percentile of the growth chart. At one year she was wearing a six-month onesie. At every appointment we talked at length and usually through tears with her pediatrician, Dr. McNett, about what might be going on. His continued support, encouragement (in general and encouragement not to freak out), and his loving care of Naomi helped carry me through a really hard and scary year. We started talking about referrals to a geneticist to see if we could pinpoint a problem. All of a sudden at her 15-month check up, she had jumped onto the chart. By 18 months she was within striking distance of the 40th percentile. And now she is a healthy, thriving, joyous 4-and-a-half year old.

I believe every child deserves the chance of a healthy future. And I'm so grateful for the healthy, caring start Naomi got with Nemours, especially when we weren't sure early on why she was so small! That’s why I am running for a reason - to support Nemours with a fundraiser for the children and families they serve. 

To support Nemours means to help provide expert care, but also allows the pursuit of life-saving research and the ability to conduct community outreach and education programs, which prevent some children from ever having to enter the hospital doors.

I support the Nemours promise to do whatever it takes to prevent and treat even the most disabling childhood conditions. Every donation counts - every gift will make a difference to a child in need. Will you join me?

Thank you in advance for helping me help kids!