Becca and Jeff Schmitz

Badge
Badge
Badge
Badge

Why I walk

Our son, Brady John, was born prematurely at 26+5 on January 15th, 2017. He weighed 1 lb. 1 oz. and was 11 inches long. He was complete perfection. We were amazed by his energy, feistiness, and sweetness. We weren't allowed to hold him, but we made sure to give him plenty of "hand hugs" and helped with his cares (diaper changes, temperature readings, etc.) as much as possible. He needed lots of help - a ventilator for breathing, and lots of IVs and lines to get him the nutrition and medications he needed. Though Brady was given great odds at birth (a 95% chance of survival), he developed an infection on January 28th and passed away early on the 29th. We love our little man so much and miss him every second of every day.

His early delivery was necessary because I developed severe preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome - life-threatening pregnancy complications. At this time, there is no way to determine why I was impacted by these complications, and there is currently no way to 100% prevent either condition from happening or stop its progression once it starts - so research is needed.

The March of Dimes funds vital research to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Brady received several treatments developed through March of Dimes research including surfactant (to help his lungs open) and nitric oxide therapy (to improve oxygenation). The March of Dimes also champions baby aspirin therapy - a treatment I was prescribed for my successful second (Connor) and third (Carter) pregnancies. 

Together we can help the March of Dimes fight prematurity so more babies can get the strongest start possible. There are several ways you can help Team Brady John make a difference:

1. March with us!  I'm excited to share that our walk is outdoors this year. It's taking place on May 10 at Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington.

2. Make a donation.  Click on the "Donate" button to make a secure donation and help us help others with the help of our little man.

In addition to supporting a wonderful cause, your donation also supports us personally.  Raising money for the March of Dimes is how we choose to keep Brady's memory alive and help others in his honor.  We hope that by raising money for the March of Dimes, we can prevent outcomes like ours from happening to other families.

Thank you for your support!

-Becca and Jeff Schmitz


Fundraising Activity

Recent donation and sponsor messages.
M
Mary donated $25.75
1 day ago
"I'm high school class mate of Cheri"
F
Facebook donated $31.11
3 days ago
M
Mark donated $206.00
3 days ago
H
Heather donated $50.00
4 days ago
"Hope you and your family are doing well! Go Team Brady!"
K
Kristen donated $51.50
4 days ago
"All moms and babies deserve hope! Thank you for walking in support of the March for Dimes!"
B
Brianna donated $51.50
4 days ago
"<3"
C
Cheryl donated $206.00
19 days ago
"Dearest Becca, Jeff, Connor and Carter, We’re so proud of all you do to support the March of Dimes in memory of sweet Brady John. We love you all so much. Have fun at the walk. We hope you get a beautiful, sun filled day. Cheri and John"
K
Kari donated $50.00
28 days ago
"Always in our hearts, Brady John💙"
e
elizabeth donated $100.00
1 month ago
E
Erin donated $51.50
2 months ago
B
Brienna donated $25.75
2 months ago
K
Kathryn donated $77.25
2 months ago
"Brady John forever in our hearts "
J
Joe donated $206.00
2 months ago
F
Facebook donated $26.01
2 months ago
R
Rebecca donated $51.50
2 months ago
"Love you guys! We think of Brady often 💙"
E
Elisabeth donated $50.00
2 months ago
"💙"
B
Barb donated $206.00
2 months ago
"Sending our love to all of you and to your sweet Brady John. Maybe I’ll try to get there to walk with you. 🥰 "
H
Heather donated $51.50
2 months ago
K
Katherine donated $25.00
2 months ago
$25.75 was donated by Anonymous
2 months ago
"Wishing your family the best as you remember Brady John 💙"
A
Angela donated $50.00
2 months ago
"Love, Love, and LOVE!!!"
B
Ben donated $25.75
2 months ago
F
Facebook donated $97.43
2 months ago
F
Facebook donated $102.53
2 months ago
F
Facebook donated $102.53
2 months ago

WE NEED TO UNITE, CONNECT AND FIGHT FOR FAMILIES

With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.

At March for Babies you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!


$1,996
Fundraising goal: $2,500
14 days
left until the event!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
25 Donors | 242 Visitors

My achievements

Badge Badge Badge Badge Badge

National partners

Publix Logo Gerber Logo HCA Healthcare Logo
Become a partner

Thank you to our local sponsors

Gold

Silver