March For Babies A Success..... even in the rain

This morning was a big day for the boys, Ford and Hayden. Today they were the ambassadors for the March for Babies Walk in Tyler. We were up bright and early.... unfortunately it was not so bright outside. We heard the rain coming down as we got ready for the walk, but didn't let it dampen our spirits as we made our way out to Bergfeld Park to meet all of our friends and family supporting Ford, Hayden and the March of Dimes.

We were ecstatic when we arrived to see a couple hundred people there despite the elements... which turned from rain to sprinkles, just in time for the walk. My mother had a team from Azalea Orthopedics. They were energetic and ready to go wearing some great shirts that they had made for Ford and Hayden... now dubbed the Wonder Twins.

Trey's sister, Heather and her family also came out to walk with us.... Patton, Payne, John, Jean and Ronnie. Not to mention the countless other friends who said "we're going to walk even in the rain."

The walk was shortened because of threatening skies, but we enjoyed every step. You see, this time last year we still had both boys in the hospital. Hayden came home at the end of April, but Ford didn't come home until the end of May. To see how far they have come, well, it just amazes me everyday. I know we have some wonderful doctors and nurses to thank for that and especially the Good Lord who watched after all of us from the moment Ford and Hayden came into the world on January 8, 2008. I've said it many times that I always believed they would make it, but they have far exceeded my expectations. They may not be as big as most 15 month olds, but they are getting there. So far, they really don't have any developmental delays and we don't expect they will. They are just two amazing little boys that bring so much joy to everyone they meet and especially their parents.

I want to thank all of the people who came out to support the Hughey Family and who made donations to the March of Dimes on our behalf. I wish everyone knew how instrumental the March of Dimes is in championing babies. Afterall, you never know when you are going to need them... we certainly didn't think they would figure into our life, but they did. It's the March of Dimes research we have to thank for surfactant that was given to our boys so their lungs could work properly because the lungs are the last thing to develop in utero. It was a great day for the March of Dimes in Tyler. Not all of the money has even been counted yet, but an early total is $45,000 raised in Tyler alone! Amazing. The Hugheys plan to be part of this for a long time to come.

Sincerely,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden