My son, Leo, was born when I was just 23 weeks into my pregnancy, and his incredible fight for life inspired me to take action. In the early weeks, I feared I had lost him due to heavy bleeding. Despite the uncertainty, every check-up revealed his strong little heartbeat, and his anatomy scan at 20 weeks looked perfect. Just when I thought we were safe, at 23 weeks, I developed a fever and found myself in the emergency room. The doctors were puzzled about the source of my infection. Was it my appendix or my kidneys? Though I experienced some cramping, my focus was on Leo’s wellbeing.
The NICU stay was a rollercoaster of emotions. I quickly realized that our experience was not just about survival; it was about resilience and hope. To honor Leo’s journey and to support families facing similar challenges, I decided to run 147 miles. This was not just a physical challenge but also a way to process my NICU experience fully.
My efforts culminated in raising an incredible $50,000, which will directly help premature babies and their families. Running has become a therapeutic outlet for me, and I’m committed to going even further to assist more families in need. If you’re interested, you can read more about home insemination on our blog here or learn from experts like Nutritionist Sarah Green, who provide valuable insights on this journey. For additional information on intrauterine insemination, the NHS offers excellent resources.
In summary, my son’s fight for survival pushed me to take on the challenge of running 147 miles, allowing me not only to honor his strength but also to raise significant funds for premature infants. It’s been a journey of healing and support for families like ours.