In 2007, Jennifer Calvanese went into labor with her triplets 15 weeks early. She gave birth to two girls and a boy, but sadly two of the babies didn’t make it.
Her “little survivor,” daughter Adelina, just turned five in March. And each year of her life, she has participated with her family in the local
The six-mile walk, which benefits the March of Dimes, is scheduled for April 29. It begins at 9 a.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) at .
The Calvanese family began participating in the walk in 2007, shortly after the triplets’ delivery.
Since then, the family has expanded its efforts to help premature babies. They started the Sofia and Vincent Calvanese Foundation in memory of the babies who passed away just three days after birth.
Calvanese also has a six-year-old daughter, who too was born premature, as well as daughters ages four and one.
The family's foundation raises money throughout the year to benefit Abington Hospital's NICU and Children' Hospital of Philadelphia's Preemie Follow Up Program. In 2008, the foundation built a grievance room at Abington for families who need privacy when a child is passing.
“We raise money through a golf outing and reception at Jericho Golf Club,” Calvanese said. This year, the golf outing is June 4.
Calvanese said her family looks forward to the annual March for Babies. “We love the March of Dimes walk,” she said.
In 2007, the family had five walkers on their team, which they call “Team Bean.”
Last year, Team Bean had more than 100 walkers, including 20 other preemies and their families. This year, Calvanese expects the team to again have more than 100 members.
“This year we are calling ourselves Team Bean Su-Preem as we are trying to honor all of the amazing miracles that walk with us,” she said.
Calvanese said the team has a fundraising goal of $10,000. “We already have about $3,000,” she said, adding the bulk of the donations come in when it gets closer to the date of the walk.
The foundation does more than just raise money, Calvanese explained. “We also make quilts for NICUs, coach families and host multiple blogs to connect with other parents,” she said.
To learn more about or support Team Bean Su-Preem, click here. To visit the foundation's website, click here.
To learn more or participate in the March for Babies, click here.
