Waldorf, MD – Even a persistent rain could not stop a huge crowd from coming out to march in support of the fight against birth defects. The annual Southern Maryland March for Babies was held Sunday May 1 at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf despite the drizzle. Virtually every walker let an umbrella be their smile.
The walk—which on a good weather day would be five miles—was curtailed. Still the event raised more than $140,000 for March of Dimes, the organization charged with conquering what its mission statement identifies as the “number one killer of babies in the United States—prematurity. The March of Dimes has focused on researching the problems that threatening our children and finding ways to prevent [the threats].”
A variety of teams—including groups sponsored by local businesses, families and groups—and individuals raised funds to participate. Anyone who raised over $100 got an event T-shirt and some even got purple “super hero” capes. Groups and individuals raising over $1,000 were invited into the event’s Circle of Champions.
“It was a great turnout,” event chairman Craig Renner told The BayNet. “The crowd brought a lot of energy to the event.”
The walk was organized by March of Dimes Maryland-National Capital Area Chapter. According the chapter’s web site, “through community programs, education, advocacy and our volunteer Program Services Committee (PSC), we help moms-to-be learn how to take care of themselves before, during and after their pregnancy. We are also there when things don’t go as planned, providing comfort and information to families when a baby is born too soon. We also provide community grants to help babies start life in the healthiest way possible.
Additionally, the Maryland-National Capital Area March of Dimes partners with local medical groups and organizations to establish guidelines for how to care for pregnant women and premature babies.”
To learn more about March of Dimes programs in the region, visit the organization’s web site
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
