Norwalk Family Named March of Dimes Stamford Ambassadors

On Saturday, May 3, hundreds from Fairfield County will gather for March for Babies at Commons Park at Harbor Point in Stamford to benefit the March of Dimes.  Leading the festivities will be the event’s 2014 Ambassadors, Matt and Christie Morris of Norwalk, along with their children Katie (10), Anessa (6) and Connor (3). They will share how their family has been impacted more than once by prematurity and walk in honor of their son Jack, who lost his battle with premature birth in 2006.  They have led team “Jack’s Angels” since 2006 and have raised more than $25,000 for the March of Dimes.

In 2003, Christie was experiencing a healthy pregnancy when she had a spontaneous rupture causing premature labor. Katie (now 10) was born five weeks too soon via emergency c-section, weighing 5 lbs. 8oz.  She spent two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Greenwich Hospital.

In 2006, they were awaiting the birth of their second child, a son named Jack.  Ten weeks early, Christie went into premature labor due to an excess of amniotic fluid.  Jack weighed just over 2 pounds.  To help mature his underdeveloped lungs, he received surfactant, a therapy developed with help from March of Dimes grantees.  The family sat vigil with Jack for nearly six months at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital before sadly he lost is battle.

Their daughter Anessa, was born nearly three weeks too soon in December 2007 and spent a short time in the NICU for jaundice.  Happily, their son Connor was born on his due date in 2010 at a robust 8 pounds.

“Our three children are extremely active and busy today.  Katie has performed in 9 theatrical productions in Southern Fairfield County, dances, sings, plays soccer, violin – you name it, she does it!  Anessa is larger than life - she is an incredible Kindergartner who sings, dances and lights up everyone's world.   Our 3-year old, Connor keeps us laughing and plays with everything – sports, superheroes, cars – you name it,” said Christie.

Participants can meet the Morris family and hear their story at March for Babies at Commons Park at Harbor Point on Saturday, May 3.  Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with the walk kicking off at 10:00 a.m.  To register visit marchforbabies.org/event/stamford.

“The research March of Dimes provides is critical to providing every baby with a healthy start,” said Christie. “Education regarding NICU, prenatal care, surfactant – among other future breakthroughs are so important to every mother, family and baby.”

Stamford March for Babies is sponsored locally by Building and Land Technology, News12 CT, Connecticut Parent Magazine, Moffly Media, and is supported by statewide sponsors, NBC Connecticut and Comcast.  March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Macy’s, Famous Footwear, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.  Find out how you can help raise funds to prevent premature birth and birth defects by walking in March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.