Saturday, February 28TH, 2009 I attended the Walk Out Eating Disorder event that was hosted by Evonna Surrette, Miss River Valley International. This was a great event that gave her the oppurtunity to speak about her platform, Eating Disorder's. I wish the weather would have been nicer. Just two days before the event it was in the lower 70's. Then on this day it decided to be cloudy, lower 50's, and rain. But everyone braved the weather and walked for a good cause. Way to go Evonna!!!
ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Gives
Parents of Preemie a New Home
ABC's hit television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will focus this Sunday's 8 p.m. (ET) episode on a March of Dimes volunteer family from outside Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, whose child was born prematurely and whose home was later destroyed by a flood.
The Augustin family of Keller, Texas, was selected because they are dedicated to helping other families with premature babies and because they are active volunteers for the March of Dimes.
Amber and Peter Augustin's son, Lane, was born severely premature in 2004. Two years later, on Father's Day, a flood destroyed their home as well as Amber's beloved photography studio.
Lane, now 4-years-old, still must overcome the challenges of his early birth trauma and on-going health challenges.
Despite their adversities, the Augustins have raised thousands of dollars to support March of Dimes research and other programs to help prevent and treat premature birth.
"My dream is to raise national awareness that premature birth is a serious and growing problem," says Peter. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition not only gave us a new home, but is helping more moms have healthy, full-term babies by highlighting the March for Babies this year. Donations can be made to our team, Lane's Light, or you can create your own family team by visiting marchforbabies.org."
Farmers Insurance, a national sponsor the March for Babies, provided insurance for the new home for one year at no cost to the family.
The program will air on ABC, Sunday, March 1, 8-9 p.m. (ET). Check your local listing for time in your area.
Around 6:40AM Thursday, February 26TH, 2009 my son Alex and I was on the Channel 5 Morning News with Ashley Beck. We were there to promote a project that is near and dear to my heart. The 2ND Annual "Made With Love" Baby Quilt Drive that will benefit the St. Edward Mercy Medical Center Newborn Intensive Care Unit. My son Alex was born there in August of 2007 15 weeks early and he weighed 1 pound 9 ounces. I have been so touched my the staff at St. Edward that I wanted to do something nice for them and the families they take care. But this event would not be successful if it was not for all of the wonderful quilters who donate their time and talents.
I was so excited to have the chance to share with the world my families story and to help Arkansas Children's Hospital. Just in case you do not know my son Alex was born 15 weeks early and weighed 1 pound 9 ounces. He was flown from St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, AR to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, AR via Angel One. He spent 8 weeks at ACH and 7 weeks back at St. Edward for a total of 108 days. Our entire story is on the website with photos. On this day I was interviewed by Kevin Miller and Becky Rogers of B98.5. During the live interview many volunteers were working the phones taking pledges. During the interview I also had the oppurtunity to speak about the International Pageant system. But most of the time was spent talking about my son, prematurity, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and why people should donate.
This was the fifth year for the radio-thon and the second year that I was able to participate. That day I meet some of the kindest indiviuals. I would like to give a high five to the DJ's Jeff Mathews, Kevin Miller, Becky Rogers, and Lisa Fisher. While I was there Lisa was at lunch so I did not get to take any photos of her. Oh well, maybe next time. Thank you to you all for giving of your time and talents for helping provide families with a place of comfort and hope. Maybe they will let me be on the radio again. I would also like to give a high five to all of the individuals who gave of their time to help make the event a success. Families like us really are lucky to have have such a wonderful place help take care of our sick babies and children.
I had such a wonderful time promoting Go Red for Women. I met so many people and was able to help educate the public about heart disease. Many of the Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Arkansas International contestants participated in this event along with Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Arkansas International 2008. It was held at the Little Rock Airport.
One of the neatest things happened while I was there. I large group of Air Force soliders were waiting for one of their members to arrive from her tour of duty from Iraq. This was such an emotional moment for me since both of my parents served in the United States Air Force. Yes I shed a tear. It brought back memories of when I was a child and my mother or father came back home. I am proud of what our military does and the sacrifices that their families make. Thank you to those who serve and for allowing us to share this moment with you.
While Tressa Horton, Miss NorthWest Arkansas International and I were handing out Go Red bookmarks we had the honor of meeting a Cardiologist who was in town for a meeting. Of corse we thank him for his service but I also shared my son's story about his PDA Ligation surgery. Just in case you did not know Alex had heart surgery the second week he was born to close a valve.
Thank you to the employees at the LR Airport for giving us the oppurtunity to promote the American Heart Association and Go Red.
Top Row, L-R - Me and several TSA Agents holding their Go Red book mark.
Me and Tressa Horton, Miss NorthWest Arkansas International holding our Go Red bookmarks.
Several of the Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Arkansas International contestant's along with Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Arkansas International 2008 with a Army Solider.
Second Row, L-R - Me in front of the Go Red wall art located at the Little Rock Airport.
Carol Johnson Mrs. Arkansas International, a airport employee, Robin Moore, Tressa Horton, and Me.
Me, Robin, Carol, Amberlee, Lawrie, and Akissi all but Carol are Mrs. Arkansas International contestant's.
Third Row- Me and Mary, Teen Arkansas International contestant.
