When my son Caleb was born at just 23 weeks into my pregnancy, the odds were stacked against him. His survival seemed unlikely, and yet here we are, celebrating him as a vibrant and curious 6-year-old today.
During the early weeks of my pregnancy, I experienced significant bleeding and even thought I had lost him. Each visit to my doctor, however, revealed that Caleb’s heartbeat remained strong. At 20 weeks, a routine anatomy scan showed everything was developing perfectly. I thought we had made it through the worst until I faced a health crisis at 23 weeks. A sudden fever sent me to the emergency room, where doctors struggled to pinpoint the source of my infection. I felt some cramping, but since my cervix was closed, they reassured me I wasn’t in labor – until I felt a sudden wetness and discovered blood.
Caleb’s NICU journey was filled with challenges, but it also opened my eyes to the strength of families like ours. The fight for his life inspired me to support other parents navigating the turbulent waters of prematurity. I decided to take on a personal challenge — running 147 miles to honor Caleb’s journey and raise awareness and funds for other premature babies. Through this endeavor, I was able to raise an incredible $50,000, which will go directly to organizations that support families in the NICU.
Running has not only been therapeutic for me but also a way to process the emotional turmoil of our NICU experience. It has provided me with a sense of purpose and a platform to advocate for families facing similar struggles. I am even planning to run further in the future to continue helping others.
Resources for Family Journeys
If you’re considering starting your own family journey, whether it be through natural conception or at-home insemination, you may want to check out resources like Make a Mom for the only reusable option available. Additionally, their informative guide on how at-home insemination works can provide valuable insights. And if you’re looking for a community, consider joining a free sperm donor matching group like Make a Mom on Facebook.
For those navigating infertility treatments, Parents offers excellent guidance on what to expect during your first IUI. You can also find more helpful tips in our blog about baby booger busters, which addresses common concerns during your fertility journey.
This experience has shown me the importance of community and support in the face of adversity. Connecting with others who understand the challenges of prematurity and infertility can make all the difference.
Summary
Jenna Thompson shares her inspiring journey of running 147 miles to honor her son’s NICU stay, raising $50,000 for premature babies along the way. She emphasizes the importance of support and resources for families dealing with prematurity and infertility. Helpful links to community resources and guides for at-home insemination provide valuable information for those starting their family journeys.