Collin Alexander was born three months premature on March 12, 1988 at 27 weeks old. He lived just seven hours.
Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths in the United States. There are over half a million innocent babies whose lives are threatened by birth defects and sometimes infant mortality when they are born premature.
“Holding your baby as he breathes his last breath, you think that you are the only one in the world experiencing the pain, but then you see hundreds of people who lost their babies, and you don’t feel alone anymore,” said Tina Pinocci, Assistant Vice President of the Chamberlain Student Center, the Recreation Center, and Conference Services.
Pinocci is one amongst many mothers with such a touching story to tell about how premature birth has affected her life and family. To honor her son Collin and keep his legacy alive, each year Pinocci and other members from the student center staff join together to raise money and awareness for the March of Dimes foundation and walk as a team in the annual “Walk for Babies.”
Pinocci got involved with March of Dimes when she heard a little girl give a speech at the first March of Dimes kickoff years ago. At the time, the March of Dimes used to have a child serve as the ambassador for their organization.
“When I heard her speak, I thought of all the children, mine included that didn’t have the same opportunity at life, so I wanted to walk in their memory and Collin’s,” said Pinocci.
May 1, 2011 marked the fifth year that the student center staff has participated in the 6.5 mile walk for babies throughout the town of Glassboro. As of now, they have raised a total of $1,400 for the March of Dimes foundation, and donations are still coming in.
Pinocci said, “There is so much learning after a tragedy happens, and my hope is that women can be more aware and learn before it happens to them. So, if money raised can help save just one life, then it is all worth it!”
“Raising money and walking for March for Babies for the Student Center was exciting; the student center family grew closer!” said sophomore peer-staff member Deirdre Glynn. “I’m proud to say we raised the most money ever this year.”
Raising awareness with this country-wide effort to save babies is Pinocci’s mission. It was a great bonding experience for the student center staff, and they showed some service to their local community. They are already looking forward to next year’s event to help improve the health of all babies!
Facilties and Operations Coordinator Vincent Surace exclaimed,“It’s a great opportunity for the student center family to support something that is so important to Tina. Tina means a lot to me as professional but more to me as a friend, and selflessly getting up early on the weekend, raising money for a great cause, bonding with some of your fellow co-workers, and sneaking in a little exercise was great!”
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