MOD walk shi garden pic The iRide4Shiloh campaign is my BIG idea for 2012 to raise donations for March of Dimes and raise awareness to the Infant Mortality Rate.  My son, Shiloh Stone Maxwell Adams was born January 10, 2007 (16 weeks before his scheduled due date).  We celebrated Shiloh turning 5 this year and thought this campaign would be an amazing way to honor his memory and celebrate his life. 

 Many of you may be familiar with March of Dimes and it’s role in fighting pre-term births.  You may also know about the 1 in 8 pre-term birth statistic, and you’ve probably heard that for more than 70 years, the March of Dimes has saved millions of babies and children from death and disability through it’s lifesaving research and innovative programs.  However, what at times is lost in the headlines or pushed to the back page of the news is that not every child born prematurely will survive.  In fact, nearly 7 of 1,000 births end in death, with the number increasing almost twofold for minorities.  Studies indicate premature birth is a factor in more than two-thirds of infant deaths and the U.S. preterm birth rate has gone up since 2000.

 When I read the medical and social studies, the common theme seems to center on women and health.  Obesity among women continues to rise and we’ve all read about chronic diseases and the link to obesity.  A baby is at risk of being born early when the mother suffers from high blood pressure, stress, diabetes, etc.  Research and technology is great when it comes to the fight against pre-term birth, but so much of it is designed post birth in an effort to keep your child alive.  Unfortunately, for my son, it was not enough. 

 Losing weight goes a long way to helping not only you, but the unborn child.  This brings me back to March of Dimes and its Prematurity Campaign.  The money that you donate will help educate women about risk-reduction strategies and advocate to expand access to health care coverage to improve maternity care and infant health outcomes.  The information that you share will help bring someone to realize that choosing a healthier and more active lifestyle could not only save a life, but the life of a child.  Oh, don’t forget to mention how getting in shape makes it easier to run after that toddler or take them to the park.    

This campaign is for everyone and of course, everyone who takes part, as well as completing a personal challenge ride/walk/run pledge, will be helping us raise awareness about health and fitness can reduce the Infant Mortality Rate and helping us to raise funds to fight pre-term births.  

The sunrise is making it’s way through the night, the wind is non-existent, it’s a cool 67 degrees, and a wide-open country road.  Let’s ROLL OUT!!!!!

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