I walk because I had no idea 1 in 8 babies are born too soon.

I walk because I never imagined mine would be the “1” in “8”, twice.

I walk because the doctors don’t know what caused my water to break when I was only 6 months pregnant with Rachel and because they couldn’t control my pre-eclampsia during my second pregnancy.

I walk because I remember the anguish and fear I felt as I was being medivac’d to Oahu in 2006.

I walk because I had 2 preemies in 2 years.

I walk because I vividly recall the joy of hearing Rachel cry as I delivered when they told me babies born that early usually aren’t able to.

I walk because the first time they let me hold Rachel was a full 7 days after she was born.

I walk because I had to spend 4 weeks away from my family on complete bed rest at Kapiolani on Oahu last September.

I walk because Rachel’s 6 week and Olivia’s 4 week NICU stays were relatively easy.

I walk because we witnessed too many others’ that weren’t as lucky.

I walk because there was a Code Blue in the NICU while Olivia was there and I rushed over in a panic to make sure it wasn’t her. I felt such relief to learn she was safe but my heart ached for the family who had just lost their baby.

I walk  so that I can keep just one mother from having to hear her doctor say there’s a 50/50 chance your baby will live and if she lives the chances are great she will have serious health problems and disabilities.

I walk because I read the obituary of a Maui baby that was in the NICU with Olivia.

I walk because 44 babies per week are born too soon in Hawaii.

I walk for all the families we met in the NICU and those who are there right now.

I walk with the hope that the money I raise can keep another family from having to experience it.

I walk because I can’t imagine a life without Rachel and Olivia in it.