We are excited to announce that we will be kicking off the walk this year by sharing our story of our miracle twins, Andersen and Ava. Thank you to the March of Dimes for asking us to be the Ambassadors for the walk. Here is our story:

As many of you know, Andersen & Ava Parker were born at just 26 weeks. I had a due date of January 1st and they came into this world September 26th.

Andersen weighed 2lbs & Ava was 1 lb 13 oz. and both were only 13 inches long. They have had surgery to close a ductus off of their aorta, 2 eye surgeries (Ava), & a feeding tube placed in Ava's tummy. They also had reflux that needed treated with medication, they could not breathe on their own for several months thus requiring oxygen support round the clock, blood transfusions were weekly at times, and Andersen had a grade II IVH, intraventricular Hemmorhage of the brain. We walk with hope that families do not have to experience these complications with their newborn or newborns in our case!

Although their start in life was touch and go at times, I am very proud and thankful to say they are enjoying life to the fullest at three years of age. Ava added a major accessory to her wardrobe this past summer... GLASSES! We have been told that it may be unlikely for Ava to drive someday due to complications from retinopathy of prematurity and glaucoma, however, we have been told dismal things before and have only seen great things from Ava and Andersen so we'll keep remaining hopeful!

Andersen is doing great! Although his sister eats him under the table (and she had the feeding tube might I add), he is doing well medically. We take him to an endocrinoligist every six months to make sure his growth is okay and things seem to be fine so that keeps us happy!! He is a lover of Scooby Doo much like his sister is and gets filled with excitement when the monsters chase Shaggy & Scooby!

This is the fourth year we will participate in the walk to help raise money for a cause very near and dear to our family. We will be walking "in honor" of Andersen & Ava. Many families walk "in memory". Having a baby should be the most joyous experience, not the scariest.

Please help us support this cause by walking with us on April 26th or by making a donation that will be used in great ways to help give babies a fighting chance at life.

Thank you graciously for your support!!

Adam, Alisa, Andersen & Ava Parker

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.