The First Annual Joshua Horn Strides for Babies Walk
Host: Dana and Craig Horn
Type: Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Bemidji, MN
Website: http://cjsids.donorpages.com/JoshuaHornStridesforBabies
Description:
On April 16, 2009 we welcomed Joshua David Horn into this world. After eight months of a difficult pregnancy the doctor decided it was time and Joshua was delivered early weighing 4lbs 8 oz. We were teary eyed when we heard him cry for the first time. I remember looking over at his dad and saying we did it, he's here and he's safe. He was tiny, we called him our little peanut, but his will was strong. He tore off the oxygen three times that first night before they decided he didn't need it, he was a fighter. We went home four days later. He filled our hearts and our home with so much joy and love. His brothers were so excited to hold him and help with his feedings, even changing him! Joshua grew quickly, he gained weight and got those chubby cheeks we all love to kiss. I worried about him getting sick or being hungry or uncomfortable or needing to be changed. I had not been educated about SIDS. I never worried that he may not wake up. One morning, he didn't. The morning of June 24th, 2009 seemed normal, at first. I got up at six and fed Joshua. He was fussy and did not eat much, I laid him back down and after a while, got up to get ready for work. I came back in at eight to say goodbye for the day to his dad and to him. His dad sat up and we both looked to Joshua, smiling at first, until we realized something was wrong. His legs were off color and as we looked at his beautiful face, and knew instantly his life was gone.
After months of waiting we received the call from the coroner. Joshua's diagnosis was SIDS. So many more questions of how and why, what could we have done to have prevented it?
My mission now is to educate as many as possible about SIDS so we are all aware of the risks and dangers we can avoid. We will be hosting a First Annual Joshua Horn Strides for Babies Walk June 26th, 2010 at the Hampton Inn. The walk path will go along Lake Bemidji's water front and into down town. Our purpose is to raise awareness and about SIDS and funds for The CJ Foundation for SIDS Research. Since the CJ Foundation for SIDS was established in 1994, the rate of death contributed to SIDS has fallen by 40%! Still, almost 7 babies die a day in the U.S.from this awful mystery, thats one every three hours or so. With your help and generous contribution, we can contribute to the research that will hopefully someday, put and end to these needless and unanswered deaths.
We can't bring Joshua back, but through his memory we can help to save so many more innocent lives.
- Dana and Craig Horn
