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The NICU Strollers raised more than $35,000 for the March of Dimes Foundation.
NICU nurse Stephanie Andrews, RN, knows the stressful and difficult time parents experience while their infants are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As she geared up for the annual March of Dimes March for Babies on May 7, she kept each of her tiny patients and their parents in her mind.
“I am grateful everyday to do the work that I do and to have the opportunity to make a difference,” said Andrews, one of nearly 120 members of the NICU Strollers who took part in the 2011 March of Dimes March for Babies walk.
This year, the team raised an astonishing $35,500, said Paul Hughes, administrative director of the Division of Newborn Medicine.
“We would like to extend a big thank you to all of our team members, including NICU graduate families and staff from all around the hospital, who not only joined us at the walk, but also contributed financially to our team,” Hughes said.
The annual three-mile walk around the Charles River Esplanade raises funds for research to prevent birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality. The event also raises public awareness of these serious issues. Since its inception in 1970, the March of Dimes foundation has raised nearly $2 billion, mostly from events like the March for Babies.
“Here at the Brigham, we collaborate with the March of Dimes to provide supportive services for these infants and their families,” said Andrews. “Along with providing education for our staff and families, they also conduct research, participate in and lead community services and advocate to save babies’ lives.”
Hughes added that the walk serves two purposes for the NICU Strollers; it raises funds so the foundation can continue its work, and it serves as a way for graduate NICU families to reconnect with each other and with their BWH care team.
“It’s so rewarding and priceless to see them together, sharing hugs, laughs, and sometimes tears and reflecting on how far our patients have come,” he said.
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