Perkins School for the Blind

Naomi's first real smile at the camera while looking!

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I am running the Boston Marathon for the second year in a row to raise money for Perkins. My daughter, Naomi, attends the Preschool 5 days a week. Naomi's father and I hold out hope that Naomi will continue to learn and grow, thanks to the dedicated team of Perkins teachers and therapists who enrich her life every day.

Naomi's Story
On September 2, 2005, my husband, John and I were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. Their names are Ava Francis and Naomi Pearl. Both were born 7 weeks early and both had bi-lateral, grade IV intraventricular hemorrhagic infarctions (or…strokes). Ava was put on a respirator, and Johnny and I had the terrible decision of whether or not to take her off of life support. On September 5, Ava Francis went to Heaven to be with God. Johnny and I were left with the harsh reality that Naomi might not be far behind in her journey. Although, breathing on her own, Naomi suffered severe brain injury and had hydrocephalus as a result of the massive bleed. During the first 6 months of her life, Naomi endured 4 brain surgeries. We were told not to expect much quality or quantity of her little life. Naomi would probably never see, hear, walk, talk, eat, suck, swallow, breathe…you name it…on her own.

One night, as I was praying, I believe God said that if I would just thank Him, Naomi was healed. After much doubt & arguing out loud with God, I did. It was one of the few nights I was home from the hospital during her 10 week stay. I raced back to the hospital where I told the nurses that I believed she was healed.

Many doctors have pitied my beliefs over the last 3 years. While we were being told all of the things she should not be able to do, Naomi blossomed into a beautiful, vibrant, active little girl. While she has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, spastic diplegia, and Cortical Visual Impairment (a form of blindness), Naomi continues to beat all odds by talking (non-stop…might I add), walking, hearing, climbing , jumping, laughing, joking, feeding herself, etc. She makes up songs and sings beautifully! She plays with her brother, she tickles with her daddy, and she cuddles with me!

Naomi began attending the Perkins School for the Blind in September, 2008 when she turned three years old. She absolutely LOVES school, and cannot wait to get there every day. The teachers at Perkins are loving and nurturing and truly care about Naomi’s progress.

This opportunity to run for Perkins School is very close to my heart. I ask that you consider donating to this very worthy cause.

Thank you for your consideration,

Kristina Bateman

How can you help?

Please consider sponsoring me in my Run for Perkins. My goal is to raise over $3,000.

I ask that you also share my page with your friends and family through the above Tell-A-Friend feature.

You can track my progress anytime by visiting my home page. Be sure to bookmark my Run for Perkins page on your browser. You may click on the above link to bookmark my page now.

Thank you so much. Be sure to watch on April 20th as I cross the finish line for Perkins!