WALDORF, MARYLAND, APRIL 2017 — Approximately 8,525 babies are born prematurely each year in the state of Maryland. Community leader Michael Lukas, Branch Head Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, and member of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees, is working to change that as the newly-named chair of 2017 March for Babies.
“As a father, I can’t think of a more important cause than the March of Dimes mission to prevent birth defects and premature birth,” he says. “The money raised by March for Babies gives more babies a fighting chance at a healthy start in life.”
“We’re so excited to have Michael Lukas on board to serve as our local March for Babies chair,” says Jennifer Abell, Senior Development Manager for the March of Dimes. “His passion and commitment to helping moms and babies will be a tremendous factor to drive the success of our event. March for Babies raises urgently-needed funds to provide comfort and information for the families of sick and premature babies as well as innovative research.”
Michael Lukas says he is asking other local businesses and community leaders to join him in support of March for Babies. “The number of babies born prematurely here in Maryland and nationwide is just not acceptable,” he says. “It takes leaders of our community working together to ensure that more babies are born healthy.”
Last year in Southern Maryland, March for Babies raised more than $152,467, a figure Michael Lukas wants to surpass in 2017. He has made the commitment to raise $40,000 as part of the overall goal of $164,000.
More than 20,000 companies nationwide are participating in 2017 March for Babies, which will take place in about 500 communities.
Southern Maryland residents can sign up today at marchforbabies.org, to start a team with co-workers, family or friends; or donate to help more babies survive and thrive. Last year, more than 900 people attended the annual event, which will be held this year on May 7th at Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, Maryland.
About 380,000 babies are born too soon in the United States each year – that’s one in 10. Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is the leading cause of death of babies in the U.S. Babies who survive an early birth often face serious and lifelong health problems, including breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays. In addition to the human toll, premature birth accounts for more than $26 billion annually in medical and societal costs, according to the National Academy of Medicine.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The 2017 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, Cigna, HCA, and regional sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc.