Mommy Bloggers Rally For Maddie

This has been a sad week in the mommy blogosphere. The loss of a child is always tragic. Hearing about it will make any mother grab her children that instant and hold them close. The second the news of Maddie’s death hit Twitter, the mother in all of us came out.

Madeline Alice Spohr

November 11, 2007 – April 7, 2009

Maddie was a born at 28 weeks gestation. She spent 68 days in the NICU and lived with numerous medical concerns. Despite these issues, she brightened the lives of all who knew and read about her. Heather is the author of The Spohrs are Multipying and has written a long list of articles about NICU life. Heather is known Twitter as @mamaspohr.

The Spohr’s have been active supporters and participants in The March of Dimes since Heather was pregnant with Maddie. This year, Heather was organizing a team for the Los Angeles March of Dimes’ April 25th March for Babies fundraiser. She named the team March for Maddie.

From the site:

“When I knew I would have a premature baby, I often found myself on the March of Dimes website. They provided me with all kind of information and support that helped me through my pregnancy and Madeline’s hospitalization. I promised that when I could, I would do as much as possible for other families in the same position we were in.”

After coming down with cold symptoms that rapidly progressed, Maddie was sent to the hospital on Monday, April 6th. The staff of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) did all they could to care for Maddie but, she was passed away Tuesday evening at 17 months of age.

Heather’s friend Meghan (@amomtwoboys) posted on the blog as soon as she got off the phone with Heather that night. When the post was listed on Heather’s Twitter account a few minutes later, in spread like wildfire thorough the internet. The outpouring of grief, love and support was, and is still amazing.

“Wow over $10,000 has already been raised for #Maddie. You can donate, too – My heart goes out to the Spohrs” 9:28 AM Apr 8th

“5 year old just asked if she could donate her piggy bank money to Maddie’s Fund. I am now a blubbering mess. #maddie” 11:23 AM Apr 8th

“Only $6,000 away from $20,000 for #Maddie! We can do it!! Pls donate!” 5:50 PM Apr 8th

“Personally challenging all my Twitter followers to donate $10 to the #maddie Paypal acct. That would be $4,480!!” 9:12 AM Apr 10th

“Meeting friends for lunch today. Will bring PB and J and donate what I would have spent on #maddie” 9:59 AM Apr 10th

The outpouring continues. Over $23,000 has been raised for Team Maddie. Several teams have been created in her honor as well. There are 380 blog posts to count created in her memory listed on Meghan’s blog. Funds are being raised to cover the cost of the funeral, memorial and living expenses. Heather is a stay-at-home mom and Mike is an independent contractor. They will be without an income as the mourn the loss of their baby.

If you would like to contribute the the Spohr family, visit Meghan at her blog post “For Maddie” for more information.

Images of Madeline Alice Spohr, copyright Heather Spohr.

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