2024 Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Columbia

We are honored to serve as the Ambassador Family for the 2024 Columbia Signature Chefs Auction to support the March of Dimes.

Our daughter, Harper, arrived unexpectedly at just 28 weeks, weighing 3 pounds, 1 ounce. Her birth coincided with Courtney's baby shower in Columbia, SC, while we were living in Houston, TX. Due to the suddenness, Chris, unfortunately didn’t make it in time to see the birth of his first child.

Harper's early arrival meant she faced numerous challenges, spending a daunting 94 days in the NICU at Prisma Health Baptist. Courtney spent every day by Harper’s side in Columbia, while Chris traveled from Houston every other weekend to be with his newborn daughter. Despite setbacks, Harper's progress was remarkable, thanks to the dedicated care provided by her care team.

The March of Dimes played a crucial role in Harper's journey to health. Through their support, critical research, and advocacy for maternal and infant health, they provided the resources necessary for Harper's care and development. The organization's commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving outcomes for premature babies ensured that Harper received the best possible care during her time in the NICU. Today, Harper is a beautiful, smart and thriving two-year-old, a testament to the resilience of premature babies and the impact of organizations like the March of Dimes.

As the ambassador family for the March of Dimes in 2024, we are dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support other families facing similar challenges.  Our story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early medical interventions, ongoing research, and community support in ensuring that every baby, regardless of their start in life, has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. We hope you join us in supporting the March of Dimes mission, ultimately helping more babies like Harper thrive!