Our Story

November 1998 and only 27 weeks through our pregnancy, Tyler’s due date was still three months away. Due to serious illness, time stood still as the decision was made to be medic-flighted to the hospital in an effort to save both of mother and baby. Through the efforts of many special people, Tyler came into the world on December 2nd – thirteen weeks early and weighed merely 2 pounds. He couldn’t breathe on his own and relied on machines to help his undeveloped lungs. We lived day to day, watching our son, along with many other tiny human beings in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, fighting for their lives.



Almost two months of care in the neo-natal unit, which included undergoing surfactant therapy to help develop his tiny lungs, blood transfusions, and just waiting for the day he could suck, swallow and breathe on his own, each day was a struggle.





Tyler made it to four pounds, and was able to live without the machines and finally go home. We spent the next several months confined to our home and away from otherwise-ordinary illnesses that can be devastating for preemies. With care and support from many of Oklahoma’s finest people, Tyler has overcome any lasting effects of prematurity. Though we were told he could have had developmental problems or a variety of health problems, Tyler is now a healthy and vibrant boy.



Unfortunately, Tyler’s story is not uncommon. Each year, nearly half a million babies are born prematurely in our country. Half a million! Transfusions, feeding tubes, ventilators and a wrenching nightly separation are a fact of life for many of them and their families. In Oklahoma, one out of eight babies are born too soon. Many aren’t as fortunate as Tyler. Their first weeks in the world are nothing less than a fight for survival. Our tiniest babies often endure numerous surgeries and long-lasting complications. Some never make it home.

We are proud to be able to put together the Ride to Save Babies every year and to have an opportunity to help others that are going through what we went through. We thank all of those that have been instrumental in making the Ride to Save Babies Trail Ride a success year after year.

For more information about prematurity and the March of Dimes please visit their website at www.modimes.org

- Richard, Mendi, and Tyler Cronister