In Washington, more than 8,700 babies are born too soon each year. Premature babies often spend weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit fighting for life, and often have lasting disabilities due to being born before they’re ready.
March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Moms can rely on March of Dimes for everything they need to know about having a healthy baby before, during and after pregnancy.
“Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality,” said Jackie Koopman, community director for March of Dimes. She was one of several people gathered at Harrison Medical Center’s Silverdale campus on Feb. 10 during a “kick-off” for the fundraising season.
She said the goal is to raise $100,000 in Kitsap County to pay for community programs, research and for supporting parents. Individuals, teams of family members or teams sponsored by corporations can contribute.
Chelsea Larsen of Poulsbo also attended the meeting. She brought her 6-year-old son, Emory, along with her.
“We come every year because Emory and his twin brother were born at 25 weeks,” Larsen said.
A three-mile walk will take place May 2 at the Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale to cap-off the fundraiser. To register visit http://goo.gl/D76D9g .
March for Babies is the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, with more than 9,000 walkers bringing in more than $1.5 million in Washington state last year.
Sponsors include Kitsap Credit Union, KeyBank, KPS Health Plans, Harrison Medical Center, Les Schwab Tires, Art Anderson Associates, Port Madison Enterprises, KING 5, WARM 106.9, Click 98.9 and MOViN 92.5. National sponsors include Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, Cigna, United Airlines and Mission Pharmacal.
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 by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org, nacersano.org or facebook.com/marchofdimeswa.
