Tatas and Babies… Connected in so many ways
First time I’ve ever seen a combo of the two awareness events.
Have you ever gotten so far behind that you feel it would be easier to just quit than catch up? That’s where I am right now.
I went from blogging five days a week to barely five a month this last month. And it’s not because I don’t have anything to say. Oh my goodness do I have things to say. So, this post is gonna be a doozy! :-0
I’d like to tell you about our battle with lice... so not fun. I’m definitely working on a post of my own on this one! In the meantime, be sure to check out the information on lice I posted the other day. It’s going around AGAIN!
I have soooo much to tell you about my trip to Washington, DC to lobby for the most important rights of babies, especially preemies, and protection of programs to support them. My friend Jennifer actually wrote a bit about this yesterday in her post The Power of a Voice. I learned so much while I was in Washington, DC, not only from the legislative experience, but also from the March of Dimes leadership that I met with who provided me a good deal of information on different avenues for me to continue raising awareness for TTTS and even how to pursue local guidelines/regulations for earlier ultrasounds in multiples pregnancies.
So then I put together a survey to gather some data on people who went through TTTS to help me as I prepare to move forward. If you have been touched by TTTS, I urge you to complete this very simple TTTS Survey. Click here to take survey
I have also relaunched TTTS Tuesday, although it is on my new page, Fight TTTS. Please check it out!
BUT… there are two major things that I want to address now that October has arrived.
I am sure that you are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You should definitely read this post about it by my friend Kerry called Think Pink. Do you think you’re too young at 27 to be diagnosed with breast cancer? Her sister-in-law is 27 and recently diagnosed. This whole month you have the opportunity to help raise awareness and funds. I am running a 10K on Saturday to raise funds for our local hospital’s breast cancer research and programs. My mother in law is a TWO TIME survivor!
And also so very near and dear to my heart… GREEN. What is green for? Today is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. My nephew Boston, also a preemie, was officially diagnosed with CP when he turned two. They knew he would be diagnosed from the time he was an infant because of brain damage he sustained from a lack of oxygen in utero. When he was first born, the doctors gave a run down of all of the worst case scenarios, which included not being able to sit up, walk, or do much of anything on his own.
Well, my little nephew (along with a lot of encouragement from his amazing parents!) is proving them wrong daily! And to top it off, he’s the sweetest little boy with the most infectious smile! So, wear green and support CP today!
Boston stood up independently for the first time yesterday
And then, there is the cause that is nearest and dearest to my heart. Pregnancy and infant loss awareness. The whole month of October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Awareness Month and October 15th is the official remembrance day. Throughout the month, usually around the 15th, there are PAIL walks, church services, and a special Wave of Light that will occur at 7pm in your own time zone. Simply light a candle at 7pm in memory of an infant or pregnancy lost, and post a picture to Facebook. You can learn about events and awareness at October 15th. We are also trying desperately to get our book Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for Grieving Mothers published at least in EBook by the 15th. Fingers crossed!
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
So October is a very busy month, full of important causes and awareness activities. There are so many simple things you can do that do not involve spending any money, yet bring awareness to these causes. For example, today, wear green!
katbiggie
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You have so much going on and really know the feeling though with having so much to say and not knowing where to begin. I am so excited for all the good coming your way this month, but have missed you around here.
Janine Huldie recently posted…You’re My Home~October Daily Day 2
Trust me Janine, I have missed you too! I think about you each day, and I do skim your posts in the daily newsletter! You are busy, busy busy!!!
Doesn’t look like your life is slowing down any time soon, Alexa! Your new website looks great – I wish you much success with it. I did not know October was PAIL month – so different from Breast Cancer Awareness but an equally important cause. Thanks for spreading the word.
Dana recently posted…It’s not crap if you collect it
I so know that feeling – of so much to say but not enough time to say it. I prefer it to a lot of time and feeling like I have nothing to say.
So much. I read every word! I have to say – I don’t think it will slow down. And the book! And everything!
Tamara recently posted…This Is Big, People! Big!
My fingers are crossed for your 10/15 book release. I was also excited to tears to see that photo of your outside the capital building! And also, I thought about you TONS on Saturday. xxoo
Ilene recently posted…A Tale of Two Pizzas
So much going on. It really sucks that lice has to be a part of it too! I’m sure you learned a ton from the March of Dimes. We should compare notes some time from all the NPOs we’re working with. 🙂
Love that Boston is proving everyone wrong. He’s a cutie (and I love his name!).