FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

For More information, Contact:

Wes Simpson

weswsimpson@yahoo.com

520-981-0703 Cell

Location/Time:  Fountain @ St. Phillips Church, 7am, Thursday Oct. 2^nd, 2008

Grieving father to bicycle 3,000 miles in 30 days for March of Dimes

Tucson, AZ,  October 2^nd, 2008 --  A grieving father will attempt to bicycle 3,000 miles in 30 days to raise funds and awareness to help fight against pre-term births to benefit the March of Dimes.

Wes and Penny Simpson, age 38 and 34 respectively, who live in Tucson, recently lost their baby when he was born premature at 24 weeks. Sadly, the baby passed in his parent’s arms shortly after birth due to his early arrival and complications from a congenital lung problem.

“When Penny’s water broke unexpectedly, we were simply flabbergasted--that with all the medical technology--that there is simply nothing that can be done to repair a broken amniotic sac and delay the birth.  If our baby could have just stayed in there a few more weeks—his chances for survival would have been so much better.” said Wes.  “It’s was incredibly painful to watch or baby die in our arms, we knew logically that there was nothing we could do—but emotionally--we wanted desperately to do something to save our baby.”

Many people loose their babies, either from still birth, complications from premature birth, or shortly after birth (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).  Parents are left wondering what happened and why—much of the time they never get an explanation.  Losing a baby can represent the loss of parent’s plans, dreams, hopes -- and often for older parents who have tried to conceive using methods such as IVF, not only money but something even more valuable -- time.  

“We don’t know how many more opportunities we’ll have to try again.  It’s stressful, expensive, and we’re running out of time,” explains Wes.

Seeking guidance Wes and Penny attended Footprints Support Group at St. Joseph Hospital, where grieving parents can share their stories with others who have had similar experiences.  “A lot of people don’t know how to respond to parents when something like this happens; some people have the misconception that because the baby didn’t live long that the parents weren’t attached to them.  We miss our baby, we miss him kicking, we miss talking to him,” says Wes.  “It’s hard for people to know how to help grieving parents.  For us, it would be nice if people would just say ‘I’m sorry for your loss,’ that would be enough.”

Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the U.S. In 2005, the United States as a society paid at least $26.2 billion in economic costs associated with preterm birth (medical and educational expenses, loss in productivity).  

Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. In about four out of every 10 cases, the causes are unknown. 

The March of Dimes has taken on this devastating problem—to find out what causes it and how it can be stopped. The March of Dimes was established in 1938 by President F.D. Roosevelt, originally to find a cure for polio.  Ever since developing the vaccine, this venerable organization has been funding cutting edge research and innovative programs to save babies from birth defects, premature birth and low birth weight.  Prematurity is the leading killer of America's newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss.

Wes will attempt to bicycle 3000 miles in 30 days around Pima County as a means to help raise awareness and funds to benefit the March of Dimes.   “There are so many wonderful organizations out there that need and deserve support.  The work that the March of Dimes is doing is near and dear to our hearts--so I wanted to do something to help.” says Wes.

FAQs:

Will you complete the 3,000 miles in 30 days?  “With a little luck, I hope to complete the distance in 30 riding days, not including an additional 5 days for rest, recovery, and/or bike repairs.”

Will you be riding alone?  “Likely, and for that reason, my wife wasn’t too keen on me bicycling from coast to coast, worrying about not knowing where I was--plus, the additional expenses of lodging.  So we settled on a similar distance, but doing different routes around Pima County, this way I’ll be home every night.  I don’t expect that too many people would want to do this—unless they ride in the Tour de France—but anyone is welcome to join me for any portion of the ride.  I’ll leave every morning from the Fountain at St. Phillips Church at River and Campbell promptly at 7 am.”

How much do you expect to raise?  “Conservatively, I’d like to raise a dollar for every mile.  But, people and companies can be incredibly generous—so it might be much more.”

Have you ever done anything like this before—did you train for this?  “Back in 2001, I bicycled solo from Canada to Mexico along the pacific coast inspired by Lance Armstrong’s come-back from cancer.  I didn’t train for that ride—but for this ride, as I’m a little older and much more out of shape, I joined LA Fitness and did a month’s worth of spin classes.”

How are you able to take the time off?  “Coincidently, there’s been a slow-down on a real-estate development project that I’ve been consulting.  Home Depot, where I work part-time has been gracious enough with scheduling to give me the time-off I need to do this.  The timing was just right—and my wife is very understanding!” 

How can people monitor your progress and donate:  “I’ve set up a website www.3000milesforbaby.com with links to donate and get information about my ride and the organizations that have helped us through all this.”

Here’s a direct link to the donation page:

http://www.marchofdimes.com/chapterDonation/donation.asp?chapter_code=AR_02&CampaignID=arizonaonemanfundraiser

For More information, Contact:

Wes Simpson

weswsimpson@yahoo.com

520-981-0703 Cell

http://www.3000milesforbaby.com

Nadine Hanson, Director, Southern Arizona Division

March of Dimes Arizona Chapter

520-298-5490

nhanson@marchofdimes.com

Additional Links:

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/medical_services/fetal_treatment/index.html

http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21194_5576.asp

http://www.obgyn.arizona.edu/maternal_fetal_medicine/index.html

http://www.carondelet.org/WomensCare/ed_support.aspx

http://www.ivftucson.com/