The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The CHF Cowgirls were honored to attend the March of Dimes Funraiser at Frasher's Steakhouse in Scottsdale on Friday, May 8, 2009. The Cowgirls donated items to the silent auction, helped sell raffle tickets, and did some boot scootin' line-dancing.
Several of our Cowgirls are mothers. The March of Dimes is of particular importance to two of our Cowgirls, Shanda Riggs and Jody Brooks.
From Jody Brooks...
"Last year, I spent a month and a half in the hospital only to lose my son who was born at 24 weeks. He lived for 12 hours. During my stay in the hospital, my husband and I was contacted by the March of Dimes, who were on standby, ready to assist if we needed them. It was an honor and privilege to give something back to them. I wanted to honor my son, Tegan, and Ireland, the daughter my dear friend, Shanda, by helping March of Dimes make a difference in giving the gift of life to premature babies.
After Tegan passed away, I received many cards from friends and family and some people I didn’t even know. All of them had mentioned that they had prayed for Tegan during my pregnancy and afterwards. Through my grief, It suddenly dawned on me that this child had brought all these people, from across the country, from many walks of life, together through prayer. My child had touched the lives of many people even before he was born. He was special that way and what mother wouldn’t be proud of that?
I am thankful for the team of doctors and nurses and the technology that enabled my husband and I to have 12 precious hours with our child. I am thankful to the March of Dimes for being there when we needed them. I am thankful for my CHF friends for rallying together and supporting us and the cause. You’re presence, kindness and generosity that night was extremely touching. Lastly, I am thankful for Shanda Riggs, who is so wise and an angel among us."
From Shanda Riggs...
"What a special privilege it was for me to contribute in some small way to the valiant cause of the March of Dimes. This organization took on a new, personal meaning for me, when in March 2008, I gave birth to twins at 28 weeks…our little girl Ireland was stillborn. Her twin brother Isaac was just 2 pounds, 8 ounces. He spent the next 77 days in the hospital with various trials. He is now doing incredibly well and we feel so very blessed for that. The advances in the medical community for preventing stillbirth, infant loss, and prematurity have come so far, even in recent years. That is in large part thanks to the March of Dimes.
Helping give back to the March of Dimes was particularly meaningful for me. In addition to selling tickets, and volunteering at the event, I made three very special outfits to donate to the silent auction. I was glad to make my very first twin outfits…one to donate in Ireland’s name, and one to donate in Isaac’s name. My two little twin cowpokes! It was rejuvenating. I made a third outfit for my cousin’s baby girl Jersey. She passed away this January, at the mere age of 40 days. (For more information on Jersey’s story, visit the family’s blog at www.andersonsavenue.blogspot.com
It is a blessing to help other moms in need, especially those who may have to endure the same difficult journey that some of us have had to walk. Although my heart breaks for Jodi Brooks and the loss of her little Tegan, I am also honored to have her at my side as we both venture down this road of love and loss. For Tegan and Ireland, “There is no footprint too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world”. And for Isaac – “Such a large miracle for such a little boy”. Thank you March of Dimes..."
