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APRIL 2005: Our Miracle and His Angel

Dear WalkAmerica Supporter,

As is so often the case with premature babies, the line between life and death is ever so thin. Some babies miraculously survive while others are not so fortunate. For many premature babies, life could be tragically short or an epic struggle. For the parents, it is an excruciating ordeal. So against this backdrop, we were touched by the story of twins Julian and Irisa as told by their mother Rosmarijn.

Delivered at only 24 weeks, Julian weighed 1 pound, 2 ounces and Irisa weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces. Irisa sadly died in her mother's arms 36 hours after her birth suffering from head bleeds and lungs that just weren't strong enough. Julian amazingly survived. He spent 110 days in the NICU and six weeks on a ventilator. He overcame serious infections, choking episodes, apnea, blood transfusions and other complications. His mother is convinced that with his sister Irisa watching over him, Julian never needed surgery.

Today at 10 months and 16 pounds, Julian is happy and healthy and looking forward to this first birthday. The story of this one family illustrates most poignantly why we walk for WalkAmerica 2005. We walk to fund research to save babies like Julian and prevent infant mortality like Irisa. Rosmarijn's family at once celebrates the life of Julian and mourns the loss of Irisa. You can do something now to someday ensure that no baby again has to traverse that thin line between life and death. Every dime you raise brings us one step closer to finding the answers to the scourge of prematurity. Julian's story reminds us of how far we have come, and Irisa's story reminds us how far we have to go. Your help is critical.

Go to http://links.marchofdimes.com/ajtk/servlet/JJ?H=14gzo9&R=677724239 and walk to save babies. Thank you for your valued support.

This e-mail is sponsored by the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. For more information about the March of Dimes, visit our Web site at www.marchofdimes.com.

March of Dimes

1275 Mamaroneck Ave.

White Plains, NY 10605