Family picked for baby march
CRANBERRY TWP — Jenny and Tim Converse were overjoyed to find out the sex of their second child.
As they awaited the news in March 2015, the moment of joy turned into one of concern.
Doctors found that Jenny had a shortened cervix, leading to a scramble to ensure the child wouldn't arrive early. Despite the efforts, Jenny was admitted to the hospital at 22 weeks, and six days later went into labor. Normal pregnancies last 40 weeks.
Their daughter, Audrey, was born at 23 weeks and four days, weighing just 1 pound, 6.6 ounces. She was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 137 days, and eventually was able to leave the hospital.
Audrey's fight didn't stop there. She was taken back to the NICU three days later and spent another 19 days there with apnea of prematurity. The ordeal was taxing on Jenny, Tim and their son, Luke.
Now 4 years old and healthy, Audrey Converse and her family will serve as the 2019 Butler County March for Babies Ambassador family during the annual March of Dimes' March for Babies event.
The three-mile walk steps off at 9 a.m. April 28 from the Dan Baker Pavilion at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township. Officials indicate more than 400 people are expected to participate.
According to the event's website, $25,474 of the $55,000 goal has been raised thus far. The funds benefit children like Audrey who were born premature, which is the leading cause of newborn death.
Premature babies need specialized care, and March of Dimes funds help cover those costs and fund research into therapies to help them survive and grow to be healthy.
According to information from the organization, nearly $3 million has been invested in Pennsylvania for research, education and community programs.
Tim Converse said being selected as the ambassador family is “an honor for our family.”
He said the family first participated in a March for Babies event after Audrey was born, and learned about it through NICU nurses at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh. He said the nurses had formed a team for the event, and it allowed the Converse family to once again see those who had helped Audrey during her stay.
Tim said the family has participated ever since, and the event not only provides needed funds, but also a sense of community for those participating.
“If you don't live through it, it's just something you hear about,” he said. “Actually being at the event brings a nice togetherness and unity of all the families who have experienced that, and offers support.”
He said spreading that awareness is key, and his family will be on hand at this year's event to share their story with participants.
“It's promoting awareness about premature babies and what families have to go through as well as the children,” he said.
To sign up or donate, visit marchforbabies.org/event/butlerpa. Individuals can walk and donate on their own or as part of a corporate or family team member.
