Bails 'n Me: Walking With Purpose

2016 marked the 10th year Team Bailey walked in March for Babies. 15 years ago there was no way I would have believed that Bailey would be as tall as me someday, entering the world a little longer than a ruler (14" long). This years picture shows that her height has caught up to me, and I'm okay with that.

March of Dimes, along with the amazing medical staff in NICU's across the country, make it possible for most preemies to overcome their early health obstacles and eventually go home to their loving families. For this reason, we walk, but also for those angel babies whose bodies were not strong enough. I pray that the Lord may look over all families affected by prematurity.

At our first walk in 2006, Bailey was 5 and walked about 1 block. Each year after that, she walked a little further. A couple years ago she walked the entire distance with me, which is something I had envisioned happening one day. This year the weather cooperated and we enjoyed the entire 4 mile walk together. My sister Hope and nephew Graham also walked halfway with us.

15 years ago I had no awareness of prematurity and how it completely changes your life. 20 years ago I had no awareness of depression and anxiety and how these mental illnesses completely change your life. Just as I have become an advocate for prematurity over these past 10 years, Bailey and I have begun to advocate for mental illness recently. The University of Northern Iowa organized an Out of the Darkness Walk in April, bringing awareness to mental illness and suicide prevention. I recently participated in a 6-week NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Basics Class to educate myself on mental illness and how to support my loved ones, as well as the students I work with at UNI. Neither prematurity nor mental illness is anyones fault. But through both experiences we need support, understanding and compassion.