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Each year we highlight one famlies story who has been touch by the Mission of the March of Dimes. This year we are pleased to tell the Szatkowski family's story: 

ISLA'S STORY
Isla was born at 33 weeks, weighing just 4 pounds. She spent 4 weeks in the NICU, and the circumstances around her premature birth are unique. Isla came into the world vi a C-Section after the discovery of her mother's rare disease, Cauda Equina Syndrome, which required emergency surgery to treat. Because her birth was an emergency, Isla and her mother were unable to receive medication that would help with the development of her lungs. Isla was born small and required a 30 day NICU stay while her lungs and little body strengthened.

TARA'S STORY
Tara had a difficult pregnancy. She suffered from Hyperemesis that hospitalized her 10 times in her first trimester. During the second trimester she was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and had to administer her own insulin shots. At 33 weeks, Tara experienced severe back pain, paralysis of her left leg and lost all bladder and bowel function. An MRI diagnosed her with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), a neurological disorder where a disk cuts into the spinal cord. CES is a rare condition- and extremely rare in pregnancy. She had emergency surgery of a C-Section to deliver her baby, then immediately flipped over for back surgery. She was able to see her daughter's birth and first cries only after the surgery, via video taken by nurses in the operating room. She then spent the next week in the hospital recovering from surgery while the baby was in the NICU. Tara then suffered from life-threatening complications: a DVT blood clot and 6 Pulmonary Embolisms. She now suffers from permanent numbness and pain, and doctors are monitoring her closely as it is not known how CES will impact her second (current) pregnancy and baby.

March of Dimes research, breakthroughs and medical education ensured that Tara and Isla received the most advanced care possible were both able to survive their complications. March of Dimes touched the Szatkowski family in 8 different ways throughout their story. The family now shares their story as it continues to unfold and advocates for March of Dimes as we lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.
 

Every year more than 15 million babies are born prematurely; a million will die before their first birthday as a result. With your gift at Signature Chefs to the March of Dimes, you can help fund the research, education and support to ensure more babies celebrate their birthdays.  

If your company would like to be a corporate matching gift partner, please call Jule Ruel at (269) 743-3724 or email at [email protected]

Through partnerships with companies, organizations and individuals, the March of Dimes is able to create unique moments for your clients, vendors and leadership teams. They participate in an exclusive dining event while supporting a critical cause.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our Signature Chefs events, providing you with brand recognition, civic engagement and an exclusive client entertainment opportunity within the event. We look forward to working with you to discuss your partnership with the March of Dimes.

Contact Julie Ruel at 269.743.3724 or [email protected] for more information.