Zumba Instructor to Host Fundraiser for Warner Robins Baby with Spina Bifida

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — 21-year-old Faith Womack is a student at Middle Georgia State College, a Zumba instructor, and has a heart for helping others. When she found out Kristi Clarke’s unborn baby had Spina Bifida, Faith jumped at the chance to help.

“The goal is to get the word out as much as we possibly can and just give, give, give, give…” said Womack.

Womack is using her passion for fitness to put on a Zumba fundraiser to help raise money for Clarke and her family in Warner Robins. 20 weeks into Clarke’s pregnancy, she received some frightening news.

Clarke said, “The spine is actually coming out of the back and is exposed to the amniotic fluid and if she moves around it can bang up against the uterine walls.”

Womack and Clarke both share a love for health and fitness. They became friends at the gym two years ago.

“She was really shocked that I was willing to just get out there and do whatever I could for her,” said Womack.

Recently their friendship has been more long distance because surgery for Clarke has put her at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.

“I have to stay here until the baby is born because I have to stay with a team that knows what’s going on and I have to be checked up every week, they have to check me and the baby,” Clarke said.

Clarke added that she hopes she can make it to 37 weeks, but the biggest risk is the baby coming early.

“I can’t wait to see my baby girl, that’s going to make it worth it,” Clarke said.

While she waits in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ on her baby girl, who she and her husband plan to name Emma Grace; Womack has a plan of her own.

“This is my heart, I love to help people, if I can help people in any type of way then I’m going to do it. I don’t have the money so I’m going to figure out a way to raise the money,” said Womack.

The Zumba event to help the Clarke family is Saturday, April 6 at New Hope International Church in Fort Valley. The class starts at 10A.M. and admission is $10. Womack’s goal is to raise $5,000 for the family.

For additional information on Spina Bifida and Kristi Clarke, visit www.caringbridge.org.