A Flatwoods couple has been one of the first to sign up as volunteers for the March of Dimes’ Bikers for Babies motorcycle rally coming to central West Virginia August 21, 22, and 23. Becky Pein and her husband Sam say they were very excited when they learned that Braxton County would host the state wide event. “We believe in the March of Dimes mission. Our first hand experience with our daughter being born prematurely, taught us how valuable the services of the March of Dimes can be.
It all began on Friday October, 7, 2005 when Becky, pregnant with a little girl, to be born in six weeks, dropped her son, Jonas, 3, off at school and headed to work at Heatland of Keyser, WV, even though she wasn’t feeling well. By mid-day she began having contractions. Friends drove her to the Western Maryland Health System’s Memorial campus. An ultrasound revealed a torn placenta, but the baby was stable and doing well. By 4:30 p.m. Becky’s doctors decided they couldn’t wait any longer and performed a non-emergency C-section. At 5:00 p.m. little Kenzie, just 5 pounds, 2.3 ounces, was born.
Though she looked good immediately following delivery, the parents’ worst nightmare began to unfold. Kenzie developed respiratory complications and was transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit in Winchester, since Ruby Memorial didn’t have room for her. In spite of her excellent care, Kenzie’s condition worsened—resulting in her being transferred to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “All we could do was hope and pray she would hang on until she got there,” Becky explained. The waiting was even harder for the new mom who couldn’t accompany her infant daughter, due to her own medical condition.
Becky was released from the Winchester facility on Sunday and with the help of her family, made the five hour trip to UVA to be with Kenzie. By Thursday, Becky had the chance to hold her newborn daughter. Then came breast feeding and a sigh of relief… Becky knew her little girl was getting better.
Kenzie returned to Winchester on October 19, and three days later she went home.
“It certainly was a horrifying experience. I am really optimistic that she’s a very healthy 4-year old now. I think she’ll be a normal kid,” says her mother.
The personal experience naturally left a permanent impression in the minds of the Pein family. That’s why they support the mission of the March of Dimes... “To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives.” And… that’s why they want to be a part of the 1st Annual West Virginia Bikers for Babies ride presented by Farmers Insurance.
Participants will enjoy a scenic West Virginia mountain ride, and best of all… aid in the March of Dimes fight to improve the health of babies. Riders will enjoy a post ride party hosted by the Microtel Inn & Suites located just off the Gassaway/Sutton exit of I-79 which will include awards, prize drawings, a tattoo contest, live music and much more.
The event will also feature the famous Road Hazards Stunt Team, performing two shows, as well as live music by Exxposure, South of the River & Sean Patrick McGraw and lots more at the Mountain Lakes Amphitheater behind the Days Hotel, just off Exit 67 of I-79. Saturday’s Road Hazard Stunt Show is open to the public as well as event participants. The amazing display of riding expertise will start at 7:00 p.m. in the Factory Outlet parking lot. Admission, which goes totally to the March of Dimes, will be $3.00 per person. Children ages 12 and under will admitted free, if accompanied by a paying adult. There is no additional charge to registered riders and passengers.
The Bikers for Babies run, an (AMA) American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned ride, will get underway at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday with last bike returning by 4:00 p.m. Riders are invited to attend the opening ceremonies inside the Mountain Lakes Amphitheater, located just behind the Days Hotel beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Local sponsors and registration points include Days Hotel/Flatwoods, Microtel Inn/Gassaway, Sutton Lake Marina, Truckstop 67, Street Bike Designs, Braxton County CVB, KOA Campground, WKQV 105.5, Road Hazards Stunt Team, WV Radio and more.
For more information, concerning registration, becoming a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, call the March of Dimes at 800-313-2911. Anyone having questions pertaining to the Flatwoods area should contact Braxton County CVB director, Tammy Dickens at 304-765-3300.
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