I am running in the 31st Annual Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN on June 16, 2007 for March of Dimes in honor of Gabe Otte, my young friend who was born with multiple developmental and physical challenges.
Gabe was born October 14, 2005 with a heart defect (Tetralogy of Fallot), craniofacial malformations, hearing loss (he wears a hearing aid headband) and delayed development. He has endured numerous surgeries, hospitalizations and testing, yet maintains his sweet disposition. To this date, the cause for his congenital complications is unknown, but his parents continue to do all they can so that Gabe may reach his full potential.
Gabe's parent's, Kevin and Wendy also have a 4-year old son, Kyle. Kevin is serving our country in the US Navy, currently stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base near Chicago. Wendy, a college friend of mine, was previously active duty in the Navy, but is now a full-time mom for Kyle and Gabe. The Otte family makes frequent hour long trips to Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Children's Hospital for various testing, treatments and therapy. Gabe is currently dealing with feeding problems, getting nutrition only though a G-tube, but hopefully will be able to feed by mouth soon. At 18 months old, he functions at about a 5 month old, however he continues to progress with the help of family, friends and medical professionals. I hope that you can find it in your hearts to place a donation on my website www.firstgiving.com/sherryjoseph to raise funds for the March of Dimes to help prevent birth defects.
If you wish to read more about Gabe's journey, please visit his website at http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=gabeotte
As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends, we are always wishful for the healthy arrival of our little loved ones. Our hearts go out to the tiny babies that are challenged from the moment of birth and to their families that care and nuture them through their complications. As a mother of five children, I feel a deep compassion for these families, as I am sure you do too.
I am the first to admit that I am NOT a natural born runner. I wish I could say that I will swiftly run the marathon without pain or fatigue, but that is soooo not true. I generally run for the love of running and the accomplishment for myself, but I feel that if others can benefit from my efforts in training and at the marathon, it will make the event so much more meaningful than miles.
So I humbly ask you to visit my website www.firstgiving.com/sherryjoseph to help in raising funds for the March of Dimes. Every little bit helps us get closer to our goal. Your generosity will not go unnoticed. In my heart and mind, I will remember, pray and thank every donor during my 26.2 mile/ 4+ hour trek through upper Minnesota this Father's Day Weekend. Thanks again for your support!
Blue Skies and Godspeed,
Dr. Sherry sherrjo@msn.com
MARCH OF DIMES MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies' lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight.