March of Dimes Bikers for Babies® Roared Through Town
Thanks to over 350 bikers, volunteers, and their friends and families, more babies in southern Maryland will be born healthy. On October 6 at Maryland International Raceway, riders came out to participate in Bikers for Babies and show their support for the smallest members of our community.
Over $32,000 raised by Bikers for Babies supports March of Dimes research and programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. One of the most important ways is to help women understand that in order to have the healthiest pregnancy possible, planning before pregnancy is a must. Thanks to donor support, the March of Dimes supported a NEW Centering Pregnancy® program at the Pregnancy Aid Center this year. Centering Pregnancy provides group prenatal care, improving the quality of prenatal care and educating women about their health during pregnancy. The March of Dimes also supports services that help promote the health and well-being of women before pregnancy to increase their chances of having a healthy baby. Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait is a community education program that teaches the importance that unless medically necessary, it’s best to wait for labor to begin on its own. Babies do best if they are born after 39 weeks gestation. You may have seen our public service ads for this throughout Maryland.
“Giving the biker community an opportunity to help babies, while doing what we love is a great combination,” said Rebecca Bridgett, the 2013 Chairperson for the event. “Since our ties to our communities and families are so strong, helping the March of Dimes is a perfect fit.”
Wayne Magoon, the 2014 Chair Elect added, “It was a fantastic event for a cause that is close to my heart. My twin grandsons were born premature this year, and I thank the March of Dimes for their support. I look forward to growing the event even further in 2014.”
Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today. It affects more than half a million babies nationwide each year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have lifelong disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reversing this trend by funding research to find the causes of premature birth and providing comfort and information to families.
Sponsorship and leadership in southern Maryland is provided by University of Maryland Charles Regional Health Center, Rider Insurance, All-American Harley-Davidson, Charles County Sheriff’s, the Commissioners of Charles County Government, Apehangers Bar & Grill, and Maryland International Raceway.
About the 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 na
