Mariah

This November I’m taking on the Premmie Marathon Challenge

I'm running the Premature Marathon for a deeply personal reason. During my first pregnancy, I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP), which required an emergency induction and delivered my baby early.

My tiny but mighty son spent precious time in the NICU, where he faced challenges with weight gain and feeding. Despite these hurdles, he thrived and eventually came home.

This experience sparked a passion within me to support other families navigating similar journeys. That's why I'm committed to running the Premature Marathon - to honor the strength and resilience of premature babies.

Every step I take, and every dollar donated, brings us closer to supporting premature babies. The fundraising money goes directly to *Running for Premature Babies*, providing resources and care to give these tiny fighters the best chance at life and a chance to grow and thrive.

It's not just about the donations, though - every step counts. By walking this marathon, I'm acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of families affected by prematurity. I'm reminded that even the smallest steps can make a significant difference.

Sometimes I'll have a team cheering me on, and sometimes I'll be walking alone, but with every step, I'll be thinking of those brave premature babies. Join me in taking these steps to make a difference.