March of Dimes - Rhett's Runners (2016)

Rhett Asher is our miracle. My husband and I were so ready to start a family. We were thrilled to find out we were pregnant, but on October 23, 2008 we were devastated to learn our baby had gone back into the arms of Jesus. Our sweet baby, Cain, had died. Three months later we were again elated to find out we were expecting...and it was TWINS. Wow...God is good! On March 6, 2009 devastation hit again. Our sweet angel, Sage, had joined her brother in Heaven. Rhett seemed to be thriving at that time but we should expect to lose him as well. We prayed...and prayed...specifically for a stubborn baby who would hang on and thrive against all odds. Rhett Asher Bates was born at 32 weeks gestation on September 28, 2009. And again devastation hit as we were told there was less than a 20% chance of survival. Again we hit our knees. God has a plan. Against all odds, Rhett turned a corner. He is such a fighter! We got our stubborn baby!!! We brought our baby home from the hospital on October 23, 2009 (a year to the day our first sweet angel went to Heaven). We were told Rhett possibly cou not see or hear and would have severe developmental delays. Our 6 year old is a thriving, smart, loving, amazing child that we get to watch grow every day! Thank you to God, the doctors, nurses, medical teams and the March of Dimes for giving us our miracle!!! Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. Our team is walking in March for Babies because we want to do something about this. I know you care, too. That's why I'm asking you to join us.