Thursday, March 22, 2012

March of Dimes

My long-time friend, mother of three (including a set of twins), Sarah Sachs Jepson, had a pretty traumatic loss in her life last year. Her brother (who I've also known for a large portion of my childhood), and his wife Rachel, sadly lost their baby last Fall of 2011. They had delivered twins early-term, and still have a daughter who is recovering... and will be 6 months soon! Their family will be walking the March of Dimes walk this Spring in Topeka, Kansas. This story touched me... not just because I adore Sarah and consider her a life-long friend, but because it's a good reality check for everyone on what is truly important in this world. I'm choosing to share this story from Aunt Sarah's point-of-view, which was shared to me by her in an email she sent:
. . . . . . . .
Dear friends and family,

Barrett, just a few hours old weighing 24 oz.  
That's just a little more than a bottled water!
As many of you know, my brother Robby and my sister-in-law Rachel brought two little miracles into this world on September 30, 2011. Born at only 24 weeks, Delaney Louise weighed 1# 10 oz and Barrett Robert weighed 1# 8oz. They were both little fighters but unfortunately little Barrett lost his battle on October 9th.



Christmas in the NICU
Delaney was in the NICU at Stormont-Vail for nearly 4 months and on January 9th she got to go home with her mommy and daddy. She has continued to progress and is growing big, just shy of 10 pounds now and will be 6 months old on March 30th. Throughout these past 6 months the March of Dimes has been a great resource for our family and has provided Robby, Rachel, Delaney and Barrett with support, services, and needs in some of the most difficult times.


Jayhawk in training!
The reason for this [e-mail] is to let you all know that our family is planning to walk in the March of Dimes 5 K Walk for Babies in celebration and memory of Delaney and Barrett. We are getting a team together now and would appreciate your support.

The event will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Topeka Zoo. Rachel and Robby have set up a team that they are calling "The Delaney Bugs". If you would be interested in joining our team please Join This Team.

If you would like to Sponsor Me as a walker you can follow the below link for contribution and sponsor information.
In Loving Memory of
Barrett Robert Sachs
September 30, 2011-October 9, 2011
http://www.marchforbabies.org/sarahsj


Please consider a contribution toward our team goal of $1000 and help us celebrate the life and health of little Delaney and honor and remember our sweet angel, Barrett.

Inline image 11Thank you!

Sarah Sachs-Jepson

1 comment:

  1. Sarah,
    I don't know how I didn't see this sooner but thank you so much for your support. Through donations from family, friends, and even total stranger we were able to raise over $6000 for the March of Dimes.
    Delaney turns one year old this month and although it will be a very bitter sweet time remembering Barrett and wondering what could have been, we are still so lucky and grateful to have Delaney. She is growing so big and has even started crawling! She truely is a miracle!

    Thank you again, friend.

    Sarah

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