Legal Commentary

My family is the local "ambassador" family for the annual March for Babies, conducted by the March of Dimes.  The proceeds go to research and resources for babies, and families of babies, who are born prematurely or have birth defects.  It's a cause near and dear to my family's heart, because both of our children were born extremely prematurely and spent a combined six months in the NICU before coming home.  My wife and I were lucky: we had lots of resource and support, accommodating employers and helpful friends, and our children enjoyed very good medical outcomes.  Not everyone is so lucky, and babies and families who go through this experience need all the help they can get.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.  The donation page is here, and here are some thoughts from my wife, Kelly:

When I was admitted to the hospital after my water broke with Isaac (my second go-around with premature birth), my doctor gave me an overview of the situation and asked if I had any questions. I asked, "Why me?" He sadly admitted he had no answer. I quickly got over my self-pity and turned it around: why not me? If we live in a society where premature births still happen, why not have these children born into our family, where we have insurance, education, resources and the ability to care for them. Since then, I've come to see yet another purpose to it. This experience has allowed me to speak on behalf of families and children who cannot. I say without reservation that it was the hardest thing I've ever endured, but if some good can now come from it for other babies and families, that makes it all worthwhile.

I know times are hard and we all get lots of appeals for help. I promise this is the last appeal you'll have from me (at least until the next march!). Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated - spread the word, sign up to walk, make a donation, reach out to a family you know who is going through this situation, pray or send positive thoughts. It is through our collective efforts that this problem someday will be solved and lots of families can have their little Samantha or Isaac without waiting 26 weeks in the hospital for them to come home!