Central Division
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Des Moines WalkAmerica
Saturday, May 6, 2006
8:30 a.m. walk /run pre-registration
9:00 a.m. walk / May Day 5K begins (Click on May Day 5K link below to download registration in a PDF file)
Raccoon River Park, West Des Moines
Honorary Chair – Dr. Steve Stephenson of Blank Children’s Hospital. Four mile route. Kids games and activities, clowns, May Day 5K, food and fun! Come meet our Ambassador Family, London Hershberger, and his parents, Shonda and Mike. The Hershberger triplets were born at 26 weeks, but London was the only one to survive. Help stop premature birth so all babies get a healthy start in life!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Major: $5,000 and above
Mission: $3,000
Checkpoint: $1,500
Corporate Contributor: $500
Mile Marker: $100
Sponsors:
Major: Blank Children’s Hospital and Citi Cards
Media: WOI-TV5 and KJJY 92.5
Contact Information: Carla Marcellus, (515) 243-2244 or 1-800-627-2412, fax (515) 243-9254, or cmarcellus@marchofdimes.com.
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 Des Moines Ambassador Family: Who are you walking for? Walk for our Ambassador Child, London Hershberger!
Kai, Boston and London Hershberger were born at 26 weeks gestation, in February 2003. The boys were only 13 inches long, and all weighed 2 lbs. or less. After just 2 days, Boston died of a bilateral grade IV brain bleed. Kai, the strongest born triplet contracted sepsis, a blood infection common in extreme preemies. He died when he was 15 days old.
During this time, London, born at a mere 1 lb. 12 oz. went through intestinal surgery, and PDA surgery for a defective heart vessel. Knowing London needed at least one more major surgery, but having to gain weight and become more stable before surgery, Mike and Shonda feared they might leave the hospital without a baby. London was on and off a ventilator for over two months. Both of his eyes developed stage 3 ROP, an eye condition common in preemies. He dealt with sepsis twice, but amazingly pulled through. After recovering from another surgery to repair the little hole in his intestines, two hernias and removal of his appendix, London was able to go home. He was 4 months old, weighed 5 lb. 11 oz., and remained on oxygen. With the help of physical therapy, London was strong enough to walk at 14 months, his oxygen was discontinued at 13 months.
The first time London was able to be out in public or around other children, he was 26 months old. Since he was born with weak lungs and was on a vent so long, he has scar tissue in his lower lungs. This currently makes it hard for him to get over a cough when he catches a cold.
Today, London is a happy, healthy 3 year old with perfect vision. Although he has a speech delay, he is progressing rapidly with speech therapy. He enjoys swimming, gymnastics, music and playing outdoors. He is truly a miracle. Please help us to prevent other families from facing the issues of prematurity.
Please join us in WalkAmerica and help save a baby like London Hershberger!
Ft. Dodge WalkAmerica
Saturday, April 29, 2006
8:30 am pre-registration, 9:00 am walk/fun run begins
Kennedy Park, Bob Heun Shelter
Honorary Chair – Duane Amhof of First American Bank. Four mile walk. Kids games, food and fun! Help stop premature birth so all babies get a healthy start in life!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Platinum: $750
Gold: $500
Silver/Checkpoint: $150
Bronze: $100
Moment of Need: $50
Sponsors: First American Bank, Fort Dodge Animal Health, and Nestle Purina
Contact Information: Carla Marcellus, (515) 243-2244 or 1-800-627-2412, fax (515) 243-9254, or cmarcellus@marchofdimes.com.
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Donating is easy online, by phone or mail / fax.
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