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The McClarin family of Bowie understands first hand what it can mean if a baby is born too soon. When Kamryn was born 12 weeks early, family and doctors did not know if she would live.  Kamryn survived and although small for her age, she is a healthy, thriving nine month old.

Parents Kamal and Kim McClarin are grateful for the role March of Dimes research played in helping Kamryn get this far, so they are pleased to serve as the 2012 March of Dimes Southern Maryland Ambassador Family. They will share their story with the public to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to help all babies get a healthy start in life.

“No parent should have to experience the life-changing consequences that can result from having a baby born too soon,” said Kim.  “That’s why we’re honored to have this opportunity to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies.”

Premature birth touches over half a million babies and their families every year including 10,036 in Maryland.  Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families.

The McClarin’s first duties: attend activities for March for Babies, the March of Dimes premier fundraising walk that benefits all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.  In southern Maryland, March for Babies will take place at 9 a.m. May 5th at Leonardtown Wharf in Leonardtown and at 9 a.m. May 6th  at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.

In southern Maryland, the March of Dimes helps moms and babies through research, advocacy and education.  The March of Dimes also awards grants to local organizations.  For example, in 2007, St. Mary’s County Health Department was awarded a $13,000 grant for home visitation and educational outreach using March of Dimes materials and programs for prenatal care, prematurelabor and smoking cessation.

Kamal urged walkers and donors to visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 1-800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.

In 2012, national March for Babies sponsors are Kmart, Farmers, CIGNA, FedEx, Famous Footwear, Sanofi Pasteur, Watson Pharmaceuticals, United Airlines, First Response and Mission Pharmacal.

Local sponsors include Safeway, Subway, Southern Maryland Woman , Constellation Energy, St. Mary’s Hospital, The Apartments of St. Charles, The St. Charles Companies, and Civista Medical Center.

About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org