"Running for the Babies" ~ My JFK 50 Mile Race

The last month has been a whirlwind of running.  I ran two marathons in October plus a Ten Miler race and became a Marathon Maniac, all in a two weeks time frame!  Never, ever, in my wildest dreams did I see myself running over 100 miles per month but I have consistently met this mileage in September and in October and hopefully, in November!  I will write a seperate blog to spill all the wonderful details of crossing two 26.2 finish lines in a 15 day period but for now, I am focusing my energy and attention towards my biggest running goal to date.  In a mere few days, I will run the JFK 50 Miler race! 

I could say that I have trained like crazy and nothing is going to stop me but the reality is, I haven't been sleeping too well, as the daunting milage of this race is settling in.  However, my insominia has turned into a good thing.  In the middle of the night, I made the realization that World Prematurity Day is the same day as the JFK 50 Miler!  The irony was uncanny for this runner girl who has lost three babies in utero and has also given birth to my three precious, premature babies who are here on this earth!  I knew then, at that moment, waaay after the midnight hour, that I was going to run for my babies to get me to the finish line. 

I eventually did fall asleep and when I woke up with the sun staring at me, I jumped out of bed and went running (my life has been consumed with training for the JFK 50 race)!  As I ran and listened to my tunes, I thought about my plan on how I would mentally tackle 50 Miles.  That is A LOT of freakin miles to run!!  I suddenly wanted to make it bigger than me, to make this race a way to honor to all babies born too soon, a way for me to make this race about "Running for the Babies!"  But how????

I had a fantastic idea on how to make my idea happen!  But I need YOUR help!!  Since I am crunched on time, I need your help ASAP in spreading the word that I am running 50 Miles on World Prematurity Day (THIS SATURDAY) and for each of those 50 miles, I would like to honor a very special baby!  If you, or know someone who has been afected by prematurity or pregnancy loss, please share your story (if you are comfortable in doing this) in the comments section and let me know the name of the baby who you would like me to run in honor of! 

I am also asking for a donation for every dedication - this is where the giving back kicks in!  Every year, since 2001, I have participated in the March of Dime's biggest fundraiser, March for Babies.  It was in September 2000, that I experienced my second pregnany loss, at 27 weeks in utero and it was devastating.  I started participating in the March for Babies walk, as way to honor my son, Joshua Michael and a way to give back to the March of Dimes.  It gave me hope that the March of Dimes was working effortlessly to help ALL babies be born stronger and healthier.  I am asking you to make your donations directly to my March for Babies website.  The walk was in May 2012 but the March of Dimes is accepting donations until the end of this year.  The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. 

To Donate/Dedicate a Mile to a Very Special Baby & read about my own journey of loss and hope, please click here:
http://www.marchforbabies.org/AFitzgerald3

I really appreciate your help!  I am excited about my 50 mile journey and it is going to be even more meaningful because I am "Running for the Babies."  These are the babies that the are fighters, the babies that have overcome amazing obstacles, as well as, the babies that we had to say goodbye to, the babies that will always live in our hearts. 

So far, I am running for seven precious babies! 
My Earth Babies
Caitlyn and Connor ~ born Day 1 of 33 weeks and spent 2 weeks in the NICU
Kiley ~ born at 36 weeks but weighing in a healthy 9 lbs, 4 oz)

photo credit: Melissa Macri photography

My Angel Babies
Baby Faith (died in utero on 2/10/05 at 16 weeks)
Baby Joshua (died in utero on 9/17/00 at 27 weeks)
Baby Fitzgerald (died in utero, August 1999, at 7 weeks)

For my friend's grandbaby, Madison Faith Key, born August 7, 2002, who was only expected to live a very short time.  Madison was a fighter and she touched many lives during her short time here.  She sadly passed away, six months later.  Madison continues to make a difference everyday through her mother, who serves on the NICU board at Georgetown hospital.

Thank you for your support, prayers and for helping all babies be born stronger and healthier! 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead