Family hopes own struggle raises awareness
By Kelly Griffith-Fields news@bullardnews.com

It was a terrifying moment when Cindy Barker went into labor three months early with her first child.

"Everyone was telling me she wouldn't make it," Cindy said "I just kept praying."

The new mother saw her daughter, Katie, for only a second before the nurses rushed her to intensive care.

"When I saw her again I nearly fainted because she was so tiny," Cindy said.

Doctors continued to say Katie's chances were slim because her body hadn't had time to fully develop and the family should not get their hopes up.

Cindy said the days that followed were hard and long.

She wasn't able to sleep and worried constantly while praying still and then she received the news that Katie could go home.

"I was so excited when she was able to come home but still nervous because she was so small; just four pounds," Cindy said. "I was so grateful to all the doctors for all they did."

It's been 19 years since then; the family lives in Bullard and Cindy has had two more healthy children, Amy and Matthew.

Katie is now enrolling in college and working as a teacher at a Christian day care; caring for children who are as vulnerable as she once was.

The mother and daughter have teamed up with their church's college and career age ministries group, Fusion, to walk in the up-coming March for Babies, April 12 at Bergfeld Park.

The March of Dimes has changed the name of their biggest fundraiser from WalkAmerica to March for Babies but the goal is still the same.

Their mission is to improve the health of babies, all babies.

The foundation helps educate women how to plan a healthy pregnancy and lifestyle for once they become pregnant in hopes of preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

"The March of Dimes organization is very special to our family," Katie Barker said.

Not only are the Barkers dedicated to the cause because of Katie, but her late aunt Amy Price who suffered from Spina Bifida was a poster child for the March of Dimes in the early 1970's.

Though Katie doesn't remember the trials she faced in her first days -- that in small ways affect her today she understands that there are many less fortunate.

The money raised through the walk will support lifesaving research, services, education and advocacy to help babies get a healthy start.

"Having been born three months early myself, I understand the importance of supporting the March of Dimes," Katie said. "The hope they give families of children with special needs in phenomenal."

To sponsor Cindy and Katie's team, Fusion, visit www.marchforbabies.org/katie b19.

To create or join a team or for other ways to help visit www.marchforbabies.org.

March for Babies:

A bake sale will be held about 6:30 Wednesday at Grace Chapel, 17269 Hwy 69 South with proceeds benefitting the March of Dimes. For more information, call 903-839-7806. The March for Babies is April 12 at Bergfeld Park.