Growing up my sister and I would tease our mother relentlessly about how she would never get her hair wet while we would be diving and canon balling all summer long.
Well as they say, we grow up and become our mothers. For the last 15 years, I haven't dove or jumped into a pool anywhere -- until last week.
Fully clothed, sober, and on a Wednesday evening, I bellyflopped into our pool -- on purpose and for a purpose.
You see, two weeks ago in my hometown of Tampa, Florida people started challenging each other to Belly Flop for Babies or to donate to High Risk Hope in the spirit of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Since I have it posted on my website that High Risk Hope is one of the nonprofits I have been proud to support for years, once I was challenged, I knew I couldn't wimp out.
High Risk Hope (HRH) is a growing nonprofit with huge dreams. Since 2011, HRH has supported 6,000 families in crisis at four major hospitals. HRH evolved out of one mother wanting to encourage others facing similar terrifying circumstances by bridging the gap between their worst fears of losing a child and the hope of leaving the hospital with a healthy baby. HRH has become an unstoppable and evolving movement in the Fight For Preemies supporting 2,000 new HRH families every year.
My flop was one of many that began popping up all over Facebook and Twitter. OBGYNs, nurses, kids who were born preemies, fathers of pregnant women, women who previously had high risk pregnancies and many of their friends were heading belly first into their pools and the Gulf of Mexico.
A group of OBGYNs -- who apparently came straight from the hospital since they were still wearing their labcoats -- filmed a domino-style bellyflop that started going viral and at the moment has been viewed more than 66,000 times.
So, what's the point? What do belly flops have to do with babies?
It's simple in that, like a preemie, you are never too small to make a difference. Even the smallest acts in your community can have large impacts. Almost anyone can do a belly flop. If you can't for medical reasons (or you are a chicken) you can find a surrogate flopper and donate.
Each video for the High Risk Hope Belly Flop For Babies challenge is raising awareness, funds and hope for preemies and moms at high risk for premature delivery. Funds raised will help High Risk Hope expand its services to hospitals and patients across the United States as 89 percent of the organization's revenue goes right back into its programs.
In honor of all those who fought for our independence, be part of something bigger than yourself and your barbecue grill this 4th of July weekend. If you want to reconnect with your inner child or just have a blast with your children, belly flop for High Risk Hope -- just be sure to post it to social media and challenge your friends so it continues to grow. It will never be easier or more fun to do something in the name of charity.
I dare you to be bold like Hill, a healthy six year old who challenged Tim Tebow, who was born a preemie just like him. Tebow's mother was on bed rest for several months after doctors told her he wouldn't survive, nevermind be strong enough to eventually win the Heisman Trophy.
Video courtesy of High Risk Hope
Rumor has it the best red white and blue flops could make the Epic Independence Day flops video montage. Or even better, you could make the flop fails video.
Either way, just do it. In the words of Matt Damon, "It's for the kids!"
Happy 4th of July!
Follow along on social media: #BellyFlopForBabies | Epic Flops | Flop Fails