March for Babies: March for Life

March for Babies in Baltimore was a fabulous and successful event. I spent the beginning part setting up and scouting out all of the many, many members of the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities also known as The Divine Nine. In my journalistic attempt to capture various representatives with my phone, I ended up breaking it, my only photo capturing device. :/ This circumstance then forced me to stop and begin to enjoy the experience of serving at the walk and being attentive to what exactly was going on.

I looked around and so many organizations were walking in support of babies! There were very few Baltimore Hospitals that weren't represented. I met members of 6 out of the 9 Divine Nine organizations. There were so many walkers of varying races and ages, and so many of us volunteers. All of the national and local sponsors were fabulous as well.

You see, March for Babies brings out many families, many professionals and many communities who understand the effect of prematurity and birth defects on babies they have cared for, babies they love and even on themselves. Whenever I serve with The March of Dimes, I keep in mind how small and premature I was as a newborn and I praise God for a healthy life.

I took a moment to meet a few of our walkers. I met Ms. B who has been walking faithfully since 1972. She does this for all babies, just because. I met a mother who has 4 healthy full-term children of her own but who also was a preemie herself and knows how important it is to support other families. I heard stories of victory like that of a large, vibrant family who walked for their little one, Baby K. Baby K went from being a very tiny neonate to becoming pretty, plump and happy. They come to March for Babies to rejoice.

But not every family is so fortunate. I served in the Mission Tent where we share with the public more about The Cause and give families who have had a loss an opportunity to honor their "little butterflies" as we symbolized them. I discovered that it was better not to ask many questions while families stopped by to pay tribute. I discovered that many could not share; they couldn't speak much of it because it still hurt. It still hurt really, really bad. I noticed one family that paid tribute to 4 "little butterflies" gone too soon. These families walk in honor of babies they love, hoping to make a difference for other families who suffer the way they do.

How selfless is that? I've come away feeling inspired. I feel more compelled to seek out opportunities for mother and infant care the more. And even while I was bustin' a move with the Zetas center-square (WOBBLE BABY!), I sensed a feeling of community, a sense that everyone--families, health professionals, Greeks, and so many others--are in it for the same reason: to March for Life.

Consider marching in your town: March for Babies

I like this culture of giving and serving. I like it a lot. Lord please make me a part!

PS: I hope to share more on my passion for mothers and babies through a March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated affiliated program called The Stork's Nest. Stay tuned!

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