As Charlottesville residents we are blessed by so much that the city and region has to offer. And occasionally, we have the opportunity to give something back. On June 5, we have that opportunity; and I for one, plan to do my part.
In 2003, my wife and I were blessed by the birth of our first child. As with tens of thousands of kids in the US, he was born premature; more than 9 weeks early in fact, weighing in at just over 3 and a half pounds. A day that is usually marked by only joy, was for us, shrouded with fear, anxiety, concern, and of course joy as well. But Charlottesville has great doctors, great hospitals, and one absolutely amazing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For six weeks my wife and I spent every waking moment in the NICU with our son, learning more than most people care to know about very low birth weight babies and the potential health risks that follow. But we made it safely through, as did our son.
In 2006, knowing that we were at high risk for a repeat of our prior birth, we took every precaution, including doing our own research in Obstetrics and introducing our OB to novel medicines and treatments. And yes, we did make it past “premature”. We made it just a few days past, but we did make it. At 36 1/2 weeks our daughter was born. But, as life has a tendency to do, we were thrown another curve ball, and our daughter was born with no heartbeat and not breathing. Resuscitation began, and once more we were guests of the UVa NICU. This time, for ten days.
Now, four years since our last discharge from UVa, our life with our kids is perfect. Ok, sure they irritate us from time to time, but health wise, they are great. And there is only one reason I am able to say that : The NICU at the University of Virginia. Before April 27, 2003, we had no idea how important that is to a community. The strength of the NICU, the PICU, the Pediatric Oncology… all of the departments of the UVa Children’s Hospital, are a gift to Charlottesville.
And so, on June 5, my wife and I, along with our two kids, will participate in our 7th Walk for Kids. I urge all of our readers, friends, and clients to join me in walking. But more importantly, I urge you to look to your own life, at those things that have had positive impact for you, and changed your life, and find ways to say ‘Thank You’ for them. UVa will forever have my gratitude and support. It has given my family a gift that we cherish more than anything in this world.
If you can’t join us to walk, by all means, feel free to make a donation. It would mean so much to me, and even more to the parents who will meet the doctors later this year for the first time.
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Keith Davis is an Associate Broker and Founding Partner of Nest Realty Group. He holds an MBA from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNC – Chapel Hill. He writes at DirtAroundGrounds.com.