March of Dimes March for Babies kicking off
St. Francois County’s 2012 March for Babies campaign will kick off at noon on Feb.9 at Long Memorial Hall. March for Babies is the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, which brings in money that is invested in research and programs in Missouri to give all babies a healthy start.
This year’s kick-off event will feature Paisley Wisdom and her parents Landon and Lynne Wisdom of Bismarck. Paisley, now age 2, was born in February 2009 four weeks early. But being four weeks early is only part of the story.
Lynne’s pregnancy with Paisley was difficult and followed an earlier miscarriage and the loss of a daughter, Olivia Rose, after only a few hours of life. The Wisdom’s started the Olivia Rose Ministry, which provides care packages for hospitals to give to parents who lose a baby.
After meeting extensively with medical specialists, they knew future pregnancies would be risky. “The decision to try one more time wasn’t an easy one, but we wanted a baby with all our hearts,” Lynne Wisdom said.
Once finding out she was pregnant, they embarked on the “high risk” pregnancy. Lynne had to give herself twice daily abdominal injections and have surgery to help her body prepare to carry the baby. With excellent medical care and bed rest, Paisley arrived after 36 weeks but with complications. She had heart and respiratory issues and some bleeding on the brain while in the womb. Paisley remained in newborn intensive care for a week before being allowed to go home.
After the difficult start, Paisley is now a happy, healthy two-year old. “She’s never at a loss for words and she always has a big idea in mind and a sparkle in her eye,” Lynne said.
“We know the March of Dimes played a huge role in helping our doctor with the research used to help get Paisley here. The March of Dimes also provided us with information and comfort during our NICU stay,” she said.
St. Francois County’s March for Babies 2012 will be held April 19 at Long Memorial Park. Registration will begin at 5 p.m. and the walk at 6 p.m. The chairs for the 2012 March for Babies are Ursula Kthiri of Parkland Health Center and Michele Ziegelmeyer. The goal of this year’s March for Babies fundraising is $33,000.
Money raised in the state stays in Missouri to support research and programs, such as CenteringPregnancy at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. The program helps local moms get improved prenatal care through a unique group model.
To register online, go to www.marchforbabies.org. For more information contact Beth Simmons, March of Dimes Southeast Division Director, at 573-651-6033 or esimmons@marchofdimes.com.
