THE RUCKER FAMILY – CHICAGO LAKEFRONT SITE
Robert and Toni Rucker are proud to be parents of their twin sons Terrence and Quincy. The Ruckers were thrilled when they realized they were expecting twins. However, after only 25 weeks and six days of gestation, Toni gave birth to her beautiful twin boys. The Rucker's courage, dedication, and willingness to share their story are just some of the reasons they have been named the March of Dimes 2006 Chicago Lakefront Ambassador Family for WalkAmerica. Terrence was 1lb.14 oz., and 13 ¾ inches long, while Quincy was 1lb. 15 oz, and 15 ¼ inches long. Both boys were placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and ventilated.
The boys are now 2 ½ years old and doing very well although Terrence is undergoing occupational and developmental therapy to strengthen his speech. The Ruckers hope to inspire other families undergoing similar circumstances by telling their story and being an Ambassador family.
THE SCHMIDT FAMILY-MCHENRY COUNTY WALK SITE
Liz and Dan Schmidt enjoy spending time with their son Tyler. The Schmidts are the McHenry County Ambassador Family. At 15 weeks pregnant, Liz was told by her doctor that her protein levels were high because she was carrying twins! Then at 24 weeks, Liz began to have contractions, she took an ultrasound was diagnosed with Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome. She was taken to the hospital and given magnesium sulphate to try and suppress the contractions. Liz remained in the hospital for two weeks. Tyler Joseph and Jacob Daniel were born by emergency cesarean section, 14 weeks early. Tyler Joseph, weighed 2 pounds and Jacob Daniel, 1 pound 10 oz. They were both put on ventilators and Liz and Dan were told that Jacob was having trouble sustaining his blood pressure. Jacob fought very hard, but after nearly 3 days his tiny body couldn’t take anymore. He passed away at about 9:45pm on February 18, 2004. Tyler is currently 18 months has thrived since his homecoming. They are happy to say that Tyler has been healthy and has not needed any special medical attention since his release from the hospital.
THE SMITH FAMILY-EFFINGHAM WALK SITE
Weighing only 4 lbs. 9 oz. at birth, no one knew if Mekenzie would survive. Born so tiny at just 32 weeks gestation with underdeveloped lungs, she was in need of oxygen and too small to feed from a bottle. Mekenzie is now the Smith family's precious baby girl who grows stronger and stronger each day. Tim and Jaime Smith know the important role that the March of Dimes research played in helping Mekenzie get this far, so they are grateful for the chance to serve as the 2006 Effingham Area WalkAmerica, Central Illinois Division Ambassador Family. The Smith family will join the local WalkAmerica Event in Effingham on May 6th at Evergreen Hollow Park. They invite you to lace up your walking shoes and join them for a great cause…babies!
THE MALAY FAMILY-FOX VALLEY SITE
Colleen and John Malay of Winfield, IL are proud of their son James Anthony Malay. The Malays have been named by the March of Dimes as the 2006 Ambassador Family for the Fox Valley site of WalkAmerica. James Malay was born on April 26, 2005 at 24 weeks gestation at 14 inches long and weighing 1 lb and 14 oz.
The Malays visited James three times a day for 102 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). James went through a series of complications including, blood transfusions, laser eye surgery, breathing treatments, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a heart condition that causes blood to divert away from the lungs. Today he is thriving as he approaches his 1st birthday.
THE PUGH FAMILY-SOUTH SUBURBAN SITE
Danielle and Jonathan Pugh of Lockport, IL enjoy spending time with their twin sons Nicholas John and Nathan Paul. The boys are happy and healthy now, but they were born premature. That’s why the Pughs have been named by the March of Dimes as the 2006 Ambassador Family for the South Suburban site of WalkAmerica. At 16 weeks, the twins were diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a rare disease of the placenta that is responsible for giving nourishment to the developing fetuses. The boys were born on June 6, 2004 at 28 weeks gestation. Nicholas was 1 lb 12 oz and 15 ½ inches long. Nathan was 1 lb 14 oz and 13 inches long. There were several tubes attached to them to help them survive. The boys are home with their family and are doing fantastic they are 19 months old and happy and healthy now.
THE BURGER FAMILY-LAKE COUNTY SITE
Melissa and Joseph Burger of Lake Forest are enjoying every moment of life with their son Ryan who was born premature. The Burgers have been named by the March of Dimes as the 2006 Ambassador Family for the Lake County site of WalkAmerica. Ryan Joseph was born on February 19, 1999 at 25.6 weeks gestation weighing 1 lb 15 oz and 13 inches long. The Burgers spent three months in the Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU). Ryan suffered from one brain bleed and stage two retinopathy of prematurity, a blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. Ryan is now seven years old, weighs 40 lbs and is 45 inches tall. Nine weeks after his birth, Ryan weighed 3 lbs 12 oz and was able to go home. He enjoys legos and is doing well in school.
THE GUERRERO FAMILY- NORTH SUBURBAN SITE
Cindy and Chris Guerrero of Palatine, IL are happy to be with their sons Ryan and Joseph.While Cindy was pregnant with Ryan, she suffered a premature rupture of membranes at 28 weeks and was hospitalized for two weeks until his delivery. Ryan was born by cesarean section at 2:40 a.m. on June 30, 1999. He weighed 3lbs. 7ozs. Once again, Cindy experienced a premature rupture of membranes at 35 weeks with her second son Joseph. He was also born by cesarean section, He weighed 6 lbs. 4 ozs. The Guerreros have been named the 2006 Ambassador Family for the North Suburban site of WalkAmerica. Ryan has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has a seizure disorder. He also has asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which is the abnormal backflow of stomach acid and juices into the esophagus. Joseph has no delays as a result of being premature. He is quite advanced in concepts that typical four and five year olds understand. With the blessings of many, the Guerreros are grateful for the successful health of their premature boys.
THE CHIMENTI FAMILY – DUPAGE COUNTY SITE
Marybeth and Derek Chimenti of Sugar Grove are enjoying life with their daughter Savanna. Marybeth gave birth to Savanna at just 27 weeks gestation. The Chimentis have been named by the March of Dimes as the 2006 Ambassador Family for the DuPage County WalkAmerica. Savanna Phoenix was delivered by emergency cesarean section on April 13, 2000. She weighed 2lbs. 14oz. at birth, but dropped to 1lb. 13oz. Savanna was on a ventilator for five days and on oxygen for two weeks. She spent 66 days in Good Samaritan Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Savanna came home on Father’s Day weighing in at 4lbs. 11oz. avanna is now five years old and despite the most difficult of times, she is doing remarkably well. |
