Miracle Makers: A Surprise Pregnancy
Every year dedicated and passionate Walmart and Sam’s Club associates raise millions of dollars for kids treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America. We asked a few associates to share the reasons they do so much to help kids live better. We’ll feature their responses in a series of posts. The annual U.S. Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign runs June 10-July 7.
Today’s Miracle Maker story comes from Tracy Birks, asset protection manager at Walmart Neighborhood Market #4421 in Columbus, GA.
How long have you been with Walmart?
I have been with Walmart for 13 years, and I am very proud to be involved in giving back and working for Walmart.
What’s your personal connection to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
I had tried for many years to have children, but I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which makes conceiving challenging. I had two beautiful stepdaughters (who are 17 and 20 now) and finally accepted that I was meant to just be the best stepmom and wife I could be.
Imagine my surprise when all of a sudden I found out I was pregnant! It was not an easy pregnancy. Due to my age, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, I had to go to maternal fetal doctors on top of my OB/GYN. The doctors made the decision to deliver my daughter, Lilly, at 32 weeks due to all my complications.
Lilly was born on August 9 at Piedmont Columbus Regional‘s Midtown Campus, weighing 3 lbs. 13 oz. and 16.6 inches long.
What was your experience at the children’s hospital?
Everything was overwhelming for me as a first-time mom. Dr. Chen and the nurses always put me at ease and assured me I could be a mom to this tiny, beautiful baby. Lilly struggled the most with eating. After almost three weeks in the NICU, Lilly passed all of her goals and was ready to come home. I remember being scared and nervous, but I did great on my own just because of the training and care the nurses gave Lilly and me.
How is Lilly today?
Today, Lilly is the spunkiest, strong willed, most precious 2 year old that I could ever have hoped to be a mom to. I am grateful every day for all of my blessings and my busy life with Lilly!
What is one thing you wish all Walmart customers and associates knew about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
Please know you are impacting lives. Not only did Piedmont (and other CMN Hospitals) give my baby life, but they’ve helped so many other babies and children thrive and live a meaningful lives today. I cannot even express the gratitude I feel for CMN Hospitals for how they help shape the lives of our future children. I am so blessed Lilly was able to overcome all the obstacles in her first few months of life. I appreciate every day I am blessed to be her mom. CMN Hospitals gives back to the local community, and I am proud to work for a company that helps contribute to the success of helping kids live better.