March of Dimes

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CHARLES AND LAWRENCE MARKS

MarksTwins

March 2010

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WALKAMERICA

May 28, 2007 01:45pm (EST)

Our Marks Boys team, consisting of MANY friends and family, participated in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica on May 19, 2007 in Montgomery, Alabama. In only 3 short weeks, our amazing team raised over $18,000 in memory of our precious boys, Charles and Lawrence. Thanks to the generosity of so many, Charles and Lawrence have a meaningful legacy of hope, love and giving. We will continue to support the March of Dimes in memory of our sons, and we hope all of you will as well.
Love,
Emily and Rick

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (7) | Permalink

JOIN US TO REMEMBER OUR SONS - WALKAMERICA

Apr 23, 2007 01:27pm (EST)

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, Emily and my twin sons were born premature just a few weeks ago and both passed away - Charles was born at 22 weeks and Lawrence at 23 weeks. Charles was born on March 29, 2007 and survived almost nine hours. Lawrence was born April 4, 2007 and lived 16 days until April 20, 2007. I cannot begin to explain the heartache we are suffering. (If you do not know our story, see www.shareyourstory.org/Marks). However, in an attempt to make a difference, Emily and I want to do something towards preventing other parents from having to endure a premature birth. I suspect most everyone knows of someone who has had a premature delivery - most with great outcomes but unfortunately, some like ours.

I never really knew what the March of Dimes did and never knew anything about premature births. In fact, most people don't realize what a devastating problem prematurity is: it's the leading cause of newborn death; that it has reached epidemic proportions; and the rate is escalating. The March of Dimes is the organization on a mission to fight prematurity.

So many of you have asked what can you do for us - and for that we are forever grateful. Many of you have provided much generosity already. However, there is another way Emily and I can use your help. We have formed a walking team for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica in Montgomery on May 19, 2007 and we need your help.

There are two ways you can participate: (1) You can join our team (www.walkamerica.org/408893) and walk with Emily and me, OR make a tax deductible contribution (Rick's walk: www.walkamerica.org/RickMarks or Emily's walk: www.walkamerica.org/MarksBoys) to our walk in memory of our sons Charles Mathews Marks and Lawrence Hughes Marks.

So whether your family has experience a premature birth, you have a friend who has experienced one or maybe because you were fortunate not to have experienced a premature birth and hope others can experience a joyful child's birth, I am asking you to help us help the March of Dimes fund the fight to save babies from premature birth. It's easy - just click on either the link to join our team or make a tax deductible contribution.

We are proud to support the March of Dimes. I hope you'll join me in supporting this worthy organization in memory of our two sons.

Thank you.

JOIN THE TEAM: www.walkamerica.org/408893

CONTRIBUTE to Rick's walk: www.walkamerica.org/RickMarks

CONTRIBUTE to Emily's walk: www.walkamerica.org/MarksBoys

Rick

Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (9) | Permalink

OUR SWEET LAWRENCE...

Apr 20, 2007 01:45pm (EST)

Our sweet son Lawrence passed away peacefully at about 1:00 this afternoon in his parents' arms. Lawrence waited for his daddy to get there, just like his mommy asked him to.

His blood oxygen level and heart rate suddenly dropped a few minutes after his daddy arrived at his bedside and the doctor and nurses could not get them back up. The doctor said it was time to let him go.

They took all the tubes and monitors off of him, dressed him in his beautiful gown that had been specially made for him and gave him to his mommy and daddy to hold while he quietly passed away in our arms.

Lawrence is now up in heaven with his twin brother Charles. He was a special little boy who will be forever loved and missed by his family.

We know that Lawrence is now safe, healthy and comfortable. Thank you for caring about our little son and for keeping us all in your thoughts and prayers. We forever have two holes in our hearts for our twin boys but they are together again.

We now have two angels watching over us. Thank you Charles and Lawrence.

Love,
Emily and Rick

Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (40) | Permalink

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007 UPDATE

Apr 19, 2007 08:56pm (EST)

Lawrence hasn't been feeling well today. His labwork indicates that he may be getting an infection. This is not unexpected.

Lawrence did get his first meal today. I got to feed him some breastmilk. He gets a little bit every 8 hours and seems to be tolerating it well.

We got a second opinion about the extent of Lawrence's brain bleed and the resulting prognosis. The doctor confirmed that the bleed is massive and has done extensive damage to Lawrence's brain. Lawrence's likelihood of survival is not good.

Rick and I have been trying to absorb what all the doctors are telling us. It is hard to accept because Lawrence looks so perfect on the outside and because we love him so much. I know everyone is praying so hard for Lawrence. Please pray for his comfort and that he feels only love.

Love,
Emily

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (12) | Permalink

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007 UPDATE FROM LAWRENCE

Apr 18, 2007 05:38pm (EST)

To my family and friends,

Since I am sure you are tired of hearing from my parents, I decided it was time for me to give the update. After being on my back for nearly 2 weeks, I was rolled over onto my tummy today (see picture). I liked it so much that my oxygen was turned down from 100% to 40%.

I've noticed that a lot of people stand around my bed and talk about me. I don't understand what they are saying but I sure do feel important and loved.

Also, mommy brought me a new music CD this morning - out with Mozart and in with my lullabies. She also told me stories about daddy and read baby books to me. It was very relaxing so I slept most of the day.

Mommy and daddy told me that you all are praying for me. I think that is great. Please keep praying and sending mommy and daddy your thoughts - they really like reading them.

Love,
Lawrence

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (24) | Permalink

APRIL 17, 2007 UPDATE FROM EMILY

Apr 17, 2007 09:17pm (EST)

Lawrence spent quality time with his mommy and daddy today. We held his hands, told him stories, and took plenty of pictures and video.

Lawrence continues to be in critical condition so we are enjoying every minute we have with him. We met with his doctors and the hospital chaplain today to discuss Lawrence's most recent head scan. The scan indicates that his prognosis has not improved. We are seeking a second opinion to verify the test results for our own peace of mind.

Please continue to pray for Lawrence. Also, please pray that Rick and I have the strength to make the right decision for Lawrence, even if it further breaks our hearts.

I cannot adequately express our gratitude for all of the acts of kindness, prayers and messages we have received from all of you. I apologize for not returning phone calls or emails. Updating this web site is all we can manage to do right now. Please know that you are helping Rick and me through the darkest of times, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Love,
Emily

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (14) | Permalink

TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007

Apr 17, 2007 02:38pm (EST)

I read my wife's last entry and it made me cry - wow, the power of the mother and newborn connection.

Today so far was relatively quiet. The results from the head scan shows that the left side ventrical is virtually full of blood due to the bleed. Such merely confirms the extent and severity of the left side grade 4 IVH bleed.

As another point of reference to Lawrence's size, I attached a photo with my wedding ring around his left arm.

Rick

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (12) | Permalink

LAWRENCE UPDATE FROM EMILY

Apr 16, 2007 08:59pm (EST)

Lawrence and I got to make a lot of memories today. He opened his eyes quite a bit, and I got to change his diaper several times. I talked to him a lot about his family. I told him how his daddy and I met, how we got engaged, and how excited we were to find out we were having him and his brother Charles. I also told him that he had so many wonderful people thinking about him and praying for him.

I was getting ready to leave the hospital tonight and leaned in to tell Lawrence goodbye. When I did, he grabbed my finger and held on so tightly that I stayed a half hour longer. He has never held on that way before. Finally, I had to let go so the nurse could take care of a few things. Letting go of Lawrence's hand was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Right after he grabbed my finger, I took a picture. I think it is my favorite picture of us.

Thank you for all your prayers.
Love,
Emily

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (25) | Permalink

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007

Apr 16, 2007 07:28pm (EST)

Got the call again this morning from Emily that Lawrence was not doing well. I went to the hospital around 10 am but thankfully, things had settled down and he was quiet the remainder of the day.

Another brain ultrasound scan was done this morning - we should have the results sometime tomorrow.

Lawrence's occupational therapist brought him a CD player and a "Mozart for Babies" CD to listen to. Emily said it was so relaxing that it put her to sleep. Emily remained bedside all day.

Thanks for all your comments - we read them all! In fact, the first thing Emily does when she comes home is read the many kind replies to this website (and emails).

Rick

Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (3) | Permalink

PHOTO

Apr 15, 2007 06:29pm (EST)

Here is Lawrence with his stuffed animal that the NICU made for him. Look closely and you will see Lawrence's footprints on the legs of the stuffed animal. Also, see the tiny blood pressure cuff on Lawrence's leg.

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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (18) | Permalink

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