In honor of their twin sons, Raiford Montgomery (“Ford”) and William Whitfield (“Whit”) Macklem, Christian & Small Partner Jonathan W. Macklem and his wife Elizabeth fielded a March of Dimes family fundraising team, “Macklem’s Miracles,” for the 2015 Birmingham March for Babies event.
Initially hoping to meet their fundraising goal of $5,000, the Macklems organized giveaways, partnered with Alabama Mud to offer commemorative crosses, and using social media, shared their personal stories complete with photos, anecdotes and milestones achieved. Their hard work paid off; “Macklem’s Miracles” raised $14,001 during the 2015 March for Babies campaign and was the top fundraising family team in the state.
“I am amazed and humbled by the support we received during this time,” Elizabeth shared in a post on the team’s Facebook page after the campaign ended. “Money just like this was used by March of Dimes years ago to fund research to invent surfactant, a drug put in both Ford and Whit’s lungs immediately after birth to help lung function. It is a life saving drug. Life Saving. I only hope and pray that the monies raised will help in that sort of amazing way. I will never have the words to adequately thank you all.”
Ford and Whit, who were born weighing 1 lb. 8 oz. and 1 lb. 12 oz. at 25 weeks on July 1 (106 days early), have overcome many obstacles in the months since their birth and continue to make tremendous strides daily. The Macklems provide frequent updates on Ford and Whit’s progress on the twins’ very own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fordandwhit.
Funds raised in conjunction with March for Babies in Alabama help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Family Support Programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.