Wednesday, November 8, 2023
6 p.m.
375 NE Holladay Street, Portland, OR 97232
Hyatt Regency Portland
EVENT CHAIR
Today the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for families of color. With your help, March of Dimes is ensuring all pregnant moms have access to care, addressing inequity in maternal health and strengthening families across America. Join us for March of Dimes Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood to raise critical funds to nourish all aspects of motherhood, from prenatal to postpartum. As the Chair of the Portland 2023 Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood event. I am honored to have you join us as we work to ensure every mom and baby gets the best possible start. Help us be there for families, particularly those in need, through advocacy, programs and partnerships aimed at reducing preterm birth and ending the health equity gap.
Thank you!
Jason Chupp, Senior Vice President, Swinerton Builders
March of Dimes mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. Our goals are to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap. Our vision is simple: We believe in a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography. From advocacy to education to research, March of Dimes is working to level the playing field so that all parents, babies, and their families are healthy and strong. Join us at Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood where you will learn about March of Dimes programs, research, advocacy initiatives and have an opportunity to invest in our work.
OUR AMBASSADOR FAMILY - THE SINGHS
It was nearly unthinkable for us to contemplate the existence of the NICU world that we went through. Being that our first child was born full-term, we never thought another pregnancy could be this tough. It was like a dream when we got to know that we are going to have twins. We were thrilled and exuberant with this splendid news. After few weeks, the reality struck in 18th week of pregnancy that the babies were showing sIUGR (Severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction). Somehow, we managed to go till 25 weeks and then Manav and Vinav arrived at 25 weeks/ 2 days via emergency C-section. They were born at just 14 oz each and were so fragile.
Our dream was shattered in countless pieces when baby Vinav left us on the 2nd day of his life. We were in disbelief, but somehow gathered all the broken pieces of our heart to care for what we still had. We have always learned to look forward, so we tried our best to move on and identify how we could help baby Manav to come home soon. But we knew it’s not in our control to do anything other than just wait and be positive. We are so thankful to the OHSU Doctors, nurses and all the staff who work in the NICU caring for Manav all those months. There were lots of gloomy days and bright days, but looking at our baby in an excellent healthcare system gave us a sense of security and courage to leave Manav in their care and go home every night.
After 257 days the most awaited day for us arrived and Manav was discharged with just a few wires attached. It was the day when his 8-year-old big brother Raynav first saw little Manav in-person after a long 8 1/2 months wait. We as a family were ready to face new type of challenges every day with baby at home. Manav has a long list of specialists to visit every now and then and his first few months were very busy. Somehow days are flying and we are making memories. All those struggles taught us so many things and we are still learning. Looking back and thinking about the NICU immediately conjures feelings of appreciation and joy, especially the doctors, nurses, specialists and staff who supported us. Their expertise, exceptional care, guidance, and support worked a miracle for our baby Manav!
View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.
