Mount Kilimanjaro for Preemies

In November I will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, in Africa, to raise awareness of prematurity.

I will be taking up the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the March of Dimes. This organization is dedicated towards research and programs to end premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.
"Because every baby deserves a healthy start".

I have teamed up with the father of one of our premature infants and we have set our sights on climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Standing at 19,583 feet, this high altitude climb will be a struggle, but this is nothing in comparison to the struggles the infants and families find themselves in everyday when born prematurely. 

I became a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse 9 years ago after my goddaughter was born premature.
The nurses were amazing and I was in awe of what they were doing.
So, I went back to school to be a NICU nurse!!
I wanted to make a difference with the families whose lives have been turned upside down by the unexpected.
No one expects to have a premature baby when they find out they are pregnant. They plan on the nine months to be able to come up with the baby's name, get the nursery ready, and have everything in order for the baby's arrival.
Then something goes awry and the families find themselves shell shocked to learn that the nine months they were planning on has been cut short. In some cases very short. Some infants come as early as 24 weeks gestation, that's over half way through the nine months. Remember full term is 40 weeks.
These families are finding out their little one wants to join them now. Early, very early and very small. Weighing in at just over one pound.

This is not uncommon to those working in the NICU, but it is a far cry from what families were anticipating.

I have watched and helped countless families and their babies spend their first days and months in the hospital. I have laughed and cried with parents as they watch their infant struggle and triumph with each passing day. It is a day to day battle for these infants and their families. Some are learning how to breath on their own while others are learning how to eat.

Why am I telling you all this? Why do I want you to GoFundMe?
I am hoping to raise awareness and money to be donated to the March of Dimes organization.
The first $5,000 I raise will be donated directly to the March of Dimes. The next $5,000, I hope to raise, will help me to get to Tanzania, Africa and challenge Mount Kilimanjaro. Because every step I make up that mountain will be small in comparison to the steps made everyday by these babies.

I ask you for your support in any manner you can. Whether that be monetary or just through well wishes.

I also ask that you share this with your family and friends and spread the awareness of prematurity.

I appreciate every effort and thank you for your time in reading this.
Remember no donation is too small, every bit helps.

From the bottom of my heart
I THANK YOU!!!
Brenda Kiernan