Hundreds of people was expected to pour into Berry College today for the annual March of Dimes fundraiser Saturday despite the rain..
Among them were the parents of dangerously premature babies, who spent weeks—maybe even months—huddled anxiously in waiting rooms outside Floyd Medical Center’s Level III NICU, where infants who suffer from the most life-threatening and severe conditions are treated. Floyd Medical Center will be holding a reunion of sorts at the fundraiser, so parents can reconnect with the nurses and staff that took care of their children in their greatest hour of need.
This will also give family members a chance to forge a relationship with other parent who suffered the same heartache as themselves, says Kellie Pearson, Director of Women and Children's services at Floyd Medical.
“We are so excited to do this for our NICU
graduates. These familes share a special bond, even though many have never met. This is a chance for them to come together, get to know one another and build a community,” Pearson said.
And, not one baby or family has been forgotten.
“It’s impossible for us to not become attached to these families. To be able to reconnect with them and see these children who we saw fight so bravely as infants, is just the most incredible feeling,” Pearson says.
The March of Dimes Walk was to have been held rain or shine on Krannert Lawn at Berry College.
