It all began with the Haggard family with the expected arrival of their first son Brennan Alexander during Christmas of 2003.  At only 24 weeks gestation Brennan Alexander was delivered weighing in at 1 lb and 8 oz.  The University of Kentucky doctors fought hard to keep Brennan here, but his lungs were not fully developed so shortly after birth, he passed away.  The Haggard family prayed and promised Brennan that his life would still have a purpose and that he would not be forgotten.  It wasn’t long before the Haggards were introduced to the March of Dimes, and dove in with both feet!  The following spring, Mary and her husband decided to organize a WalkAmerica team.  It was at this time that they discovered they were pregnant with twins!  Mary was diagnosed with cervical incompetence, and the doctors told her it would be difficult for her to carry one baby, much less two!  However, with the help of some very special doctors, the twins Matthew and McKenzie were born at 33 weeks gestation, with only a two week stay in NICU.  Now, not only do they walk for baby Brennan but for his brothers Matthew and McKenzie as well!  All three boys are their team ambassadors!

     Mary is a kindergarten teacher, so she rallied the support of all of the students at McKell Elementary in Greenup Co.  The school has approximately 500 students, grades K through fifth, so Mrs. Haggard spent a week going to each classroom and talking about prematurity and the importance of a baby staying in their mommy's womb for nine months.  Many of the children already knew they, themselves, had been born too early, and many of them found out as a result of conversations that sparked with their parents after school.  The students took home individual banks, and were asked to fill them with change bring them back within the week.  To her surprise they received over 300 banks back!  The final result surprised everyone.  Mary exclaimed, “I was hoping that the school would raise about $1000.  Instead, we raised over $3500!”  The residents really rallied behind the students in this small Eastern Kentucky community! 

     Mary and her students topped off the bank drive with a "Wonder Walk" for all of our student fund-raisers, which was Mary’s favorite memory from WalkAmerica this year.  The walk ended with snow cones and cupcakes for everyone to celebrate all of their hard work.  Mary said, “We had so much fun with our student team this year we will definitely do it again and again.  Our goal for the kids next year is to bring in $4000!”  Mrs. Haggard summed it all up when she said, “It really is true that prematurity has affected all of us in some way.  Everybody knows someone, and that gives them incentive to help.” 

     Congratulations and a big thank you to the Haggard Family and the students of McKell Elementary School!  We can not wait to see what you accomplish in 2007!