Lauren McGee

I walk because my daugher, Adelyn Jane, became another statistic when she was born prematurely and then when she died as a result of her prematurity.  In the United States, 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation) and even more disturbing, prematurity and it's complications is the #1 cause of death in babies.  I never considered that my family could become one of these statistics. For us, our story includes prematurity and infant death, but it also shines forth hope and love and a little baby's brief life well-lived.Adelyn was my first child and for the first 24 weeks, my pregnancy was perfect. On October 17th, 2014 at 24 weeks and 2 days, I went into labor. I was admitted to the hospital here in Greenville, and within a few hours was put on EastCare and flown to UNC to be under the care of a maternal fetal medicine specialist. After a very grueling week of fighting off her delivery, Adelyn Jane McGee was born on a beautiful Friday afternoon, October 24, 2014. Born at 25 weeks, 2 days, Adelyn weighed only 1 lb 15 oz.  She was 13 inches long.  Even so early, Adelyn had facial features to match her dad and had a tiny bit of hair.  She was perfect and beautiful and she was ours! Adelyn spent 30 hours in the NICU at UNC-CH Children's Hospital, and despite all of the wonderful love and care she received, Adelyn left us for heaven on Saturday night, October 25, 2014.  We buried Adelyn in my hometown (Rocky Mount), under a beautiful tree next to my Aunt three days later.  Leaving the hospital the night she died was the hardest thing I have ever done.  Leaving my beautiful, sweet, perfect baby at the cemetery was equally as hard.  I cannot describe in words how devastating and difficult and unimaginable it is to lose a child.  The only comfort I have is knowing she is perfect and whole in Heaven and I will hold her again one glorious day! Before Adelyn died I promised her I would honor and remember her everyday. Adelyn's Hope is just one way we have chosen to honor this promise to our sweet baby. We support the the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, which aims to reduce premature birth in the United States and to give every baby a fair chance for a healthy full-term birth.   I hope you will consider a donation in Adelyn's memory or maybe in honor or memory of a baby you love.  Since 2015, our team has raised more than $173,000 for the March of Dimes, thanks to so many generous supporters. We are so grateful for the impact Adelyn's life continues to have in the lives of other babies and their families. No amount is insignificant. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for reading our story and considering a donation to our team. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful I know this full well. Psalm 139:14. With love and gratitude, Lauren