Supporting March of Dimes’ Bikers for Babies
tIf you’re familiar with the motorcycle culture, no not the Hollywood or reality-TV versions, you know this is one of the most charitable communities that exists. From charity rides for fallen riders, breast cancer, Lupus, domestic violence, support for first responders to bikers against child abuse, we will ride out to support. Throttle Life’s personal charity, March of Dimes‘ Bikes for Babies.
In 2008, my wife and I thought our lives were pretty settled. We had a roof over our heads, our careers were steady, and we had two healthy happy boys. Life was good. God, however, had other plans and blessed us with the news of a third child, a daughter, that was to be born on my birth date in August.
Having experienced the miracle of birth with our sons, we knew the typical dos and don’ts of pregnancy with eating healthy, exercise, avoiding strenuous activities, regular visits with the doctor, etc. We didn’t take anything for granted, but were comfortable knowing what to expect and experience.
Once again, God showed he had other plans for us. On May 27, after a very routine morning of getting everyone ready for the day and me off to work, my wife experienced a completely unexpected life-threatening problem with her pregnancy and began bleeding profusely. She was rushed to Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD thanks to the support of our close friends.
After a few hours of bewildering helplessness, I was given the great news that my wife was in recovery and our daughter (Nia) was delivered into our world approximately 12 weeks early, weighing a mere 2 lbs. This was, of course great news, however, only the first hurdle of many to still overcome.
Nia spent the first two months of her precious little life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where she received exceptional care from a team of professionals that treated Mom, Dad, and Nia with genuine care and concern.
I am proud to say, our daughter is now a healthy, happy, active six year old with a dare-devil spirit and a passion for speed – I wonder where she gets that from? Coincidentally, after naming our little miracle baby, we discovered Nia means “purpose”. I believe part of Nia’s purpose is to share her story so others may be uplifted and encouraged. Needless to say joining the Bikers for Babies ride is a no-brainer.
This year the March of Dimes‘ Maryland chapter ride rolls out Sunday, October 5th from Maryland International Raceway during the MIRock series Fall Nationals at 2pm for a 45 mile scenic ride through picturesque Southern Maryland to the Charles County Fairgrounds for family-friendly party with food, vendors, games, a moon bounce and more from 3pm -7pm.
All donations support programs in our local DMV community to assist moms with having healthy pregnancies so these little blessings can begin healthy lives. Donations also provide well needed comfort and care to families with sick or premature babies or those little miracles that become God’s little angels.
To learn more, visit bikersforbabies. To join the ride or donate click here. Contributing is fast and easy. See you at the track!
Leon L. Brittain
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