Published: March 13, 2008 08:13 pm         

Public urged to support May 31 March for Babies

Every year, 500,000 babies are born prematurely and 150,000 are born with birth defects.

To help these babies, the local chapter of the March of Dimes is planning the March for Babies on May 31 at Little Beaver State Park. Registration is at 10 a.m., and the walk starts at 11 p.m.

“We urge people to contact their friends to participate,” Tambra Cheman, community director of the March of Dimes, said. “People can either donate or volunteer the day of the event.”

To encourage people to participate, a kickoff luncheon was held Tuesday at Tamarack with speeches from Cheman and supporters of the cause.

“Every year, seven million participate in the march to raise money for this life-saving research,” Cheman said.

People are also urged to use the online fundraising tool. Through this, people can create their own Web site and e-mail their friends and family for support.

“Make sure to e-mail people because it is a fast and easy way to reach your goal,” Cheman said. “You would be surprised how much you can raise by e-mailing the people on your contact list.”

“This is the time to make goals,” she said. “You must make sure to set a realistic goal, however.”

Raleigh General Hospital has been a sponsor of the event for many years. Kevin McGraw, director of marketing, said the cause holds special meaning to the hospital.

“We have anywhere from 50 to 100 employees who raise money, and over the years, we have donated up to $50,000,” he said. “We see babies born premature and babies who have problems at birth. When you see it first-hand, then you can’t help but be touched by this cause.”

Along with the feeling that one has helped save a life, a person can walk away with more tangible rewards as well. For raising $150, a person can get a March for Babies T-shirt. For $300, a person gets the T-shirt and a tote. For $500, a person can get a beach towel along with the other prizes. For $1,000, a person gets a sweatshirt added to the list. Finally, for $2,000, along with the other prizes, a person gets a $100 gift card.

In the past, the March for Babies has contributed to the cure for polio, helped premature babies survive with therapy, helped families of sick babies get help in coping through the NICU Family Support and helped pregnant women get access to mobile units to bring vital prenatal care to their unborn babies.

Cheman said she believes that one day premature births could also be a thing of the past through the March for Babies.

“With your help, we can use money for research to help babies get off to a healthy start,” Cheman said. “Who can say no to saving a baby?”

People interested in donating or participating in the walk can call 1-800-313-2911 or go to marchforbabies.org.

National sponsors include Kmart, Cigna, Farmers, FedEx, Famous Footwear, Liberty Tax Service, nesting. com, Grains for Life and Continental Airlines. Local sponsors include BB&T, Appalachian Power, Raleigh General Hospital, Fruth and Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.