Posted for Carole....because her post says it all....

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L Patrick

Whereas Often a life-threatening birth defect, congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs to push into the chest cavity, causing the limitation of lung growth; and

Whereas According to Children's Hospital, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in every one in 2,500 births in the United States; and

Whereas Proactive diagnosis and appropriate management of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia minimizes the incidence of emergency situations, dramatically improving survival rates; and

Whereas Today provides the opportunity for families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals and to meet others and know they are not alone; and

Whereas Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to minimize the devastating effects of congenital diaphragmatic hernia among all Massachusetts citizens,

Now, Therefore, I, Deval L Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2008, to be

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Awareness Day

And urge all citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in it's observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this twenty-fifth day of March, in the year two thousand and eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty first.

By His Excellency,
Deval L Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth

William Franis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth

God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

PARKER'S PEEPS ~ MARCH FOR BABIES

Jessica & Ashley

The amazing couple from North Carolina are once again walking for the March of Dimes - March for Babies. 

"Parker's Peeps" ~ the name of their team, was coordinated in honor of their daughter Parker Reese who passed away from Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Jessica and Ashley are looking for team members to walk with them as well as donations to help support this incredible cause! They have a modest goal of $1500 - so please help them blow right past that and make an amazing contribution to the March of Dimes - March for Babies. Any donation will be gratefully accepted!

You can reach their page for more information by clicking this link:

 http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=101000400&u=JessicaSingletary

MESSAGE FROM JESSICA ~ PARKER'S MOM

Parker was born premature with a rare birth defect known as congenital diaphragmatic hernia on May 7, 2006 at 9:03 am. She fought a tough battle but passed away 20 hours later on May 8, 2006 at 5:00 am in her daddy's arms.

Our little girl has inspired us to do things we never thought imaginable. We are walking again this year in memory and honor of Parker and all other children who have faced or will face the diganosis of CDH.

We ask you to join us in the walk and if you can't remember that every dollar we raise goes to saving the life of a newborn.

The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who I am walking for -- all babies. I am very excited to be a part of the “first” March for Babies; please support my participation.

Although the name of this signature event changed, the mission did not. The March of Dimes champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy that help babies get a healthy start.

Please help by donating today!

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Please visit my blog on Share Your Story
www.parkersingletary.com

"A Place in This World"

Cloud Nyne has created a very special video for a very special family.

Jessica and Ashley are an amazing couple - and Cloud Nyne loves them dearly.

They lost their beautiful daughter Parker Reese to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and naturally are missing her terribly.

Often, it is difficult for any of us to find "A Place in This World" and we hope that Jessica & Ashley find theirs. We have faith they will because the love they share is absolutely unstoppable.

Please visit Parker's site at http://www.parkersingletary.com/, read her story, feel the amazing love and sign her guestbook. She is one little girl who will be eternally missed.

The player at the top of this window currently features Jessica & Ashley's video - "A Place in This World."

Please allow time for the video to load - they are worth it!