Thank you for supporting
Signature Chefs Auction, Quad Cities

2019 Signature Chefs Auction Co-Chairs
Dr. Brian and Kimberly Kim

In 2014 we welcomed our twins nearly 3 months early, at 29 weeks, 4 days gestation. Jeremiah was 3 lbs. 12 oz. and required a CPAP machine to help him breathe. Avani was 3 lbs. 7 oz. and needed a life-saving surfactant treatment and intubation on a high-frequency jet ventilator. Both twins spent 52 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital learning to breathe, eat, and regulate their own body temperature.

The issue of prematurity is global, local, and, for us, deeply personal.

The March of Dimes has given our family so much and we are grateful for the opportunity to give back. Brian and I are excited to Chair the 2019 Signature Chef’s Auction!

We know that the research and programs funded by the March of Dimes, combined with the tireless work of medical providers, helped us bring home two healthy and happy preemies. Through our fundraising efforts and the generosity of local businesses and families, we want to help the March of Dimes continue to prevent preterm births and help babies who are born prematurely.
 

Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5, worldwide. In addition to, or in lieu of a sponsorship contribution, a 100% tax-deductible donation can be made to support the work of March of Dimes. With a donation, you can help fight premature birth through March of Dimes-funded research and education programs. Companies have the opportunity to provide a donation that can serve as a Leadership or Matching Gift, both offering company recognition and visibility in your alignment with our important mission and to ensure more babies celebrate their birthday.

2019 Ambassador Family
Samantha, Lauren, Alexandra, Georgene and Brad Zust

The Zust family knows first-hand what it’s like to have triplets born prematurely. Georgene and Brad Zust’s triplets, Samantha, Lauren and Alexandra, were born prematurely, weighing only about 2lbs.each, at a bit over 27 weeks. All three girls had a two month stay in the Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU). They were given bovine surfactant and Georgene pumped and froze breast milk, which the triplets were fed initially in very tiny amounts through a feeding tube. It was very hard leaving the hospital with no babies, but Georgene and Brad had utmost confidence they were in extremely good care. When you’re pregnant with triplets, you’re prepared for complications, but the Zusts understood not all families are prepared for this situation.

Through March of Dimes research, their triplets received surfactant and other life-saving technologies, while in the ISCU at Evanston Hospital in Chicago. If it wasn’t for the excellent pre-natal care that Georgene received during her high-risk pregnancy, as well as the post-natal care the triplets received, they believe their daughters would not have thrived as much as they did, as well as escape more serious complications.

The triplets are now age 25 and work in the Quad Cities. You would never know today Samantha and Lauren were born so early because they’re completely healthy, extremely hard working, successful, and living life to the fullest. Alexandra, who experienced minor brain injury due to premature birth and e-coli infection, has always dealt with speech, motor and cognitive issues. While the Zusts thought she may not walk or talk, Alexandra shattered their expectations by completing high school and making it on the honor roll. She then graduated with an Early Childhood Associates Degree from community college with honors and is currently working as a pre-school teacher assistant.

The Zust family is committed to being the March of Dimes Ambassador Family for the Quad Cities Signature Chefs Auction on October 10, 2019 to help spread awareness of the positive outcomes that can occur when the situation seems dire. Their goal is to give hope to families with premature babies going through challenging situations by giving them reassurance and proof that there can be a positive healthy outcome, particularly through the work and help of March of Dimes.