At the beginning of May we once again (for the 4th time) participated in the annual March of Dimes, March for Babies event. This year they combined the Northern Virginia event with the DC event so everything kicked off at National's Park - a pretty cool venue! Although having it in Reston just a mile up the road was nice - this location really had it's perks!
Team Harper Gribbs was once again in the Circle of Champions - we raised over $2,500 and were so thankful to all our friends, family, colleagues, and especially my company who donates $750 each year!! This meant we got to attend a special pre-walk function where they fed us tasty breakfast sandwiches, coffee, fruit and plenty of bottled water. In addition to that they had some special guests - Leon Harris from NBC Washington - turns out he was also a preemie so this was an event he was happy to come out and support. Also, Jonathan Allen from the Washington Redskins. The kids were so excited to meet these celebrities. I'll never forget the adorable interaction between Jonathan and Harper - he just couldn't get over how strong and adorable he was - calling Harper his hero - it was awesome! Then they all squished in for a picture with Leon Harris - Adam was convinced he'd talk about us the next time he anchored the news - ah kids. :)
After that we met up with Auntie Heidi, Garrett & Isabelle - who rounded out our team of Auntie Kathleen, Olivia, Adam, Harper & me - a solid team for a worthy cause! The kids were so excited to dance and run around while they played the warm-up music. They even got pics with Teddy Roosevelt!!! Like I said - Nat's Park was a cool venue!
The march got started and I'll say the only drawback to the combining of marches was the crowds. It was quite congested and this fast walker never caught her stride. Alas - it was still great getting to participate with so many awesome supporters and the slow pace made for some nice conversation with our team. The cousins were loving their time together and the views along the waterfront were picture perfect.
Harper was thrilled to see the firemen on the route - he insisted on stopping for a photo op - I love that kid! The fireman were so happy to have met one of the March for Babies champions and it was just everything to see them acting happier than he was to have their photo taken with him - heart melting.
The older kids were on a mission the whole walk to find Harper's "Celebration" sign - and when they finally did we had to stop for some pics. I'm so thankful that Harper is included in this every year and it is never lost on me - or anyone on the team - that there are remembrance signs as well - and when we see those families stopping for photos with their signs - we always take a moment to send our love and to remember our gratitude.
The end of the walk was so thrilling for all of us (well maybe not as much for Garrett and Isabella who grew up on major league ball fields) but for my crew walking onto the field - and being the "stars" on the field was something I know we'll never forget. Team Harper Gribbs was announced over the PA system and we even caught some of our team members on the big jumbotron - wow! What a memory.
I'll never tire of seeing Harper make those final steps over the finish line at these events. I know how extremely lucky we are for Harper's outcome but it never fully erases the pain, sadness, grief, and worry we experienced that first year of his life - especially those first 60 days before he got to come home.
We are forever thankful to the amazing work, research and support that the March of Dimes offers and this will be an event that we'll proudly support each and every year. Especially the Super Hero sprint where both of my super heroes race with honor, dignity, and immense joy every May.
Way to go Team Harper Gribbs!
