March for Babies: Sonji Davis, Waukegan
Almost six years ago, on May 10, 2006, I gave birth to two beautiful little girls at Prentice Women's Hospital of Northwestern Memorial in Chicago.
Madison was 1 pound, 7 ounces and Makaylah was 1 pound, 14 ounces, born at 25 weeks gestation. I was feeling elated, scared, angry, happy, sad — myriad emotions. Different questions started to cross my mind like, why me? What will happen to my babies? Will I make the best decisions for them?
Both Makaylah and Madison had to be supported by neonatal intensive care unit technology, oxygen support, blood transfusions, ECMO machine, scans for bleeding in their brains and other lifesaving equipment and medications. Shortly after the birth of the girls, Makaylah began to have complications due to her prematurity. She had to have an air pocket removed from her lung and her physical health began to deteriorate severely. Makaylah passed away on May 11, 2006, one day after her birth, from complications of her prematurity. Madison continued to receive NICU support and stayed in the NICU until Aug. 4, 2006.
After a tumultuous three months, life with a newborn commenced. The March of Dimes was so instrumental to my family in helping to navigate losing a child and also supporting a preemie. The literature I received from March of Dimes and support groups that were offered through March of Dimes' NICU Family Support Program offered at Prentice were extremely helpful. Going through this experience, the anguish you feel seems like it will last forever, but it doesn't; we are able to celebrate the lives of Makaylah and Madison.
This is my first year participating in the March for Babies walk and I will be walking as the Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes. Madison, my family and I look forward to being advocates for the March of Dimes, sharing our story and inspiring and giving hope to other families.
How awesome is it that the March of Dimes has created an outlet for families to celebrate the lives of our precious preemies and look for ways to prevent premature birth?
It took me a while to become as involved as I needed to be, but it was a process. I encourage all families who have been affected directly or indirectly to become involved in some way. Every dollar helps as well as every encouraging word.
I have found great joy and a sense of pride and humbleness being able to represent such a wonderful organization. I can give back to the March of Dimes and show my appreciation through my service.
I hope to see you all at the walk on Sunday, April 29, as we celebrate our precious preemies! If you are interested in donating to my team or walking in honor of our preemies, visit the March for Babies website, marchforbabies.org, enter my name (Sonji Davis) and please donate.