WALDORF, MARYLAND, MARCH 2017 — Holding a baby for the first time is a special feeling known to many moms, but not all. For parents of sick or premature babies, it may be days, if not months, before they can cuddle their child. About 380,000 babies are born premature each year, with families yearning to reach out and touch them.
On May 7th, many of these families will come together in our community to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and other infant health problems in the March for Babies. They have formed Family Teams of relatives, friends and neighbors joined in the March of Dimes biggest annual fundraiser. For many, March for Babies is one of their family’s annual traditions, a time for celebration, remembrance, and hope.
“We invite families and all those who love babies to join us in March for Babies,” said Heather Kane, March of Dimes Family Teams Specialist. “Last year, we had 45 Family Teams participate, and we’re looking forward to an even bigger turnout this year. Whether you want to celebrate a baby in your life, or to honor a baby who did not survive, let’s walk together. This movement is bringing us closer to the day when every baby is born healthy and strong.”
March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes. Southern Maryland residents can sign up to participate at marchforbabies.org, start a team with co-workers, family or friends, or donate to help babies survive and thrive.
On-site registration begins at 8:00 AM with the three-mile walk kicking off at 9:00 AM at the Regency Furniture Stadium.
Participation in March for Babies will provide a memorable and rewarding event for the whole family, says Jennifer Abell, Senior Development Manager for the March of Dimes. “We will celebrate children and parents who experienced the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or special care nursery. We will recognize these families throughout the day with a Superhero Sprint for kids, complete with a purple cape, a symbolic lei for mom and dad and loads of fun in the kids’ zone. In addition, we’ll be adding to the fun with a live deejay and free breakfast and lunch sponsored by Safeway and Subway.”
“This year for the first time, participants will have the opportunity to walk through our Memory Mile and visit our unforgettable March for Babies Memory Garden. Those who have experienced loss will find a meaningful way to remember their baby by planting a flower in our butterfly garden,” she says.
Premature birth is the leading cause of death among babies in the United States. It affects about 380,000 babies each year, including approximately 8,525 babies in Maryland. Funds raised by March for Babies in Southern Maryland help support March of Dimes programs that provide comfort and support for moms and babies as well as innovative research to find the unknown causes of premature birth and birth defects.