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With some mixed emotions of gratitude, sadness and relief, after 30 days of moving 2 migrating flocks in 100 degree heat, our Austin, Texas flamingo flocking has come to an end. Due to the heat, our flamingos have flown the coup. Many of them lost libs or broke wings in sustaining their efforts. They have moved to a cooler climate, Billings, Montana where my running partner & marathon sister, Melyssa, will debut her fundraising efforts.
With some mixed emotions of gratitude, sadness and relief, after 30 days of moving 2 migrating flocks in 100 degree heat, our Austin, Texas flamingo flocking has come to an end. Due to the heat, our flamingos have flown the coup. Many of them lost libs or broke wings in sustaining their efforts. They have moved to a cooler climate, Billings, Montana where my running partner & marathon sister, Melyssa, will debut her fundraising efforts.
We are sincerely thankful for our wonderful neighbors and friends generous donations to the Spina Bifida Association and motivating support that made our fundraising so fun and heart felt. Our Texas donations were much more than we anticipated. To date, we have raised more than $4,000!
Over the course of the 26.2 mile race I will be motivated knowing I have over $150 riding on each mile I endure running. It really helps give me something to think about while I have been training in this terrible Texas heat.
Why have we done this? We want you to know that Spina Bifida CAN largely be prevented by taking prenatal vitamins or daily FOLIC ACID PRIOR to getting pregnant. Spina Bifida occurs at ~20 days gestation, just before the 1st missed period. Although prenatal vitamins were taken in Hayden’s case, not all diagnosis are known why.
We have been blessed with abundant medical resources and state support while many families throughout the country are not. Upon learning the diagnosis at the 20 week ultrasound, MOST mothers are pressured into delivering the baby prematurely to terminate the pregnancy. Spina Bifida is not a death sentence. EDUCATION = POWER & HOPE
Where Does The Money Go? 100% of your donation goes directly to the national Spina Bifida Association.
- $52.40 will provide 10 diagnosed mothers-to-be and six families living with Spina Bifida with tools, resources, information, and guidance from our National Resource Center for one day.
- $78.60 will provide a full-day of education and supportive services to a family of three living below the poverty line. This includes treatment information, access to health-care facilities, and psycho-social programming assistance, among others. A meal is also included.
- A $131 contribution provides 550 women with information about preventing Spina Bifida with daily folic acid.
- $183.40 will support at least two children attending the three-day Kids!Camp – the only such camp in the country that promotes self-confidence, esteem and independence all in a fun atmosphere.
- $262.20 enhances our college scholarship fund to further a young person with Spina Bifida’s education.
- $1,000 furthers research in Spina Bifida to develop better treatment for, more understanding about, and new ways to prevent this life threatening birth defect.
