Contributed by Valerie Hudson, March of Dimes
March of Dimes Alaska is proud to partner with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and Ptarmigan Pediatrics, LLC to present our 5th Annual High Heels for High Hopes event September 24, 2016, 7pm at the Glenn Massay Theater! This year local business men and women will sing, dance and strut their stuff to Broadway’s greatest hits from yesterday to present day, all in the name of giving every baby a fighting chance.
Funds raised from this event will assist March of Dimes Alaska in its core mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality through research, community service, education and advocacy. This year one of our current models, Sabrena Combs, was drawn to participate because of her own experience, which we would like to share:
“When my son, Riker, was born, he had some breathing difficulties and had to be taken by ambulance to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Providence Hospital in Anchorage from Mat-Su Regional Medical Center here in Palmer. My husband and I were terrified. Within a couple hours of arriving at the NICU, a representative from March of Dimes was there to talk to us. She was so kind, helping explain the process and the resources available to us should we need assistance. We didn’t end up needing that assistance but it was absolutely amazing to have someone there to help navigate us through one of the scariest experiences in our lives. Just knowing there was someone there that could help was an enormous weight off of our shoulders. Thankfully Riker ended up great but there were so many babies in the NICU that had to be there for weeks or months. I’m certain that March of Dimes helps give the comfort they gave us to each and every one of those families. I participate in the High Heels for High Hopes event because healthy mamas and healthy babies is a cause everyone can and should support. Making sure all of those precious babies in the NICU get home and get healthy should be a top priority.”
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer Emily M. Stevens CNO, RN, BSN, MSN had this to say about their participation as partners for this year’s event: “Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is extremely proud to assist with this outstanding night, showcasing the talent and pride here in the valley. Working with the March of Dimes, ensuring a healthy start for the generations to come”
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Odgers, Janie at (907) 328-4011 or email at JOdgers@marchofdimes.org.