March of Dimes Family Teams Awards Get Together

August 29--The Memphis March of Dimes Family Teams held the Awards get together at Lichterman Nature Center. It is always a lot of fun, the kids have a good time, and the adults get to meet and network with others who have similar experiences with prematurity and/or infant loss.
(There may be more pictures to come.....a couple other ladies were taking pics as well, but they have not sent them to me yet.)

Inside, there is a long display of animals.....

And outside, there are several trails to walk...it was beautiful!

Lots of geese roaming around.....

He is sitting on the rail of the bridge....so not sure if that's what the face is for or if he was just getting tired of stopping to take pictures.





And at the end of the day......he just gave out.

THE TWIN Ks

Last Saturday was March for Babies (the annual March of Dimes walk to raise funds and awareness for research, education and prevention of premature birth). This is the 4th year we have participated and captained a team--The Twin Ks. I enjoy volunteering and this is very near and dear to my heart.



This year we didn't walk as in years past....I have a heel spur that makes extended time on my feet painful (didn't think a 4.5 mile walk would be in my best interest) and my husband gets dizzy too frequently due to his Meniere's disease to be walking long distances. So this year we helped man the Family Teams tent and the Mission Wishes area. (Mission Wishes is an area to make thank you and get well cards to send to the area NICUs.) The Family Teams tent is strictly for members of Family Teams to sit and relax, visit and mingle with snacks provided.






The Mission Wishes tables are bordered by the Wall of Honor. Each Family Team is asked and invited to create a display to share their story, to let everyone know who and why they are walking. This is mine for this year....




Of course, there are lots of vendors, activities and other highlights.

Nina and Kraig with Elmo.



We can't have March for Babies in Memphis without the Fed Ex car....




Another big event fundraising event for the March of Dimes is the Signature Chefs Gala in the fall/winter. Kraig's photo has been in the last two programs, along with other local families. He was in this last year's program twice, one page was the picture from last year with one of the participating chef's, and this page shown below, where he got a solo shot!




For this year, not only are they going to take new pictures, they are going to make a collage of pictures taken at March for Babies.










And finally, A GREAT BIG HUGE THANK YOU to all who donated to my team in support of this great cause!