One of my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire me and remind me of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that Macaroni Kid Springfield launched this article series to spotlight these special people. My hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
What is your MISSION? What do you want to accomplish?
My mission is simple; raise money and awareness for the March of Dimes. I share our story, info about their research and programs to anyone who will listen. This year our team goal is to raise $2,000. I would love to reach that goal, it would push our team over $10,000 total since we started. On a grand scale I would love to see Massachusetts get an A on the report card for prematurity.
What inspired/encouraged you to do this? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
My oldest son was born 6 weeks early. Our team name ‘Jack in the Box’ is because he spent his first few days in an incubator. His journey is what inspires me to put together our team each year to walk and fundraise. I don’t think there is a specific moment when I knew I wanted to do this, but there is a story other than Jack’s that helps fuel me. Jack’s neighbor in the NICU was a twin. This family had been a part of the NICU for over 40 days; one twin was home and the other still at the hospital. She got to go home while we were there and seeing that family’s emotional rollercoaster is a large part of why I keep doing this.
What part do your children play in your current mission? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning? What lessons/values are you learning through this process?
My children are a huge part in this mission; they are the reason we keep doing this. Jack’s story is everywhere, they walk with us. I take the time each year to explain why we do this, and why it’s important to give back however we can. I hope they learn so much from this experience every year. It’s important to show them how meaningful and rewarding it is go give back. It has taught me a lot throughout our 5 years, how to fundraise, effective communication, and persistence to name a few.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
I do have a few hobbies that make me feel like me, help to center myself, and help me keep moving forward. The main one is crocheting, it is my therapy. I love making anything from preemie hats for Baystate to queen size blankets. I squeeze crocheting in whenever I can, because of this it makes it easier to make time for it.
What can we do to support you in the community?
Participate! Join a team, walk on your own, or donate! Spread the word about the great things they do.
- HEATHER MONSON is on a mission to make sure children and families are mindful of others and compassionate to one another.
- MICHELLE CREAN is on a mission to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and to live a healthier lifestyle by providing in-home personal training and fitness nutrition guidance.
- SARAH REILLY is on a mission to bring more awareness and acceptance to the local Autism community.
- AMY CUTLER is on a mission to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes and to raise funds for research so that there may one day be a cure.
- ANA FERRIS is on a mission to help people feel confident and empowered by exercise in order to have a healthy mind and heart.
- NIKKI CACI is on a mission to help women feel more confident through fashion!
- SALLY FULLER is on a mission to help all Springfield children learn to read.
- KATHERINE ZAHIROVIC is on a mission to educate children on the importance of healthy lifestyle skills.
- JENNIFER POWELL is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
- ALLISON GAYNOR is on a mission to spend as much of her free time helping people as she can.
