Dear Editor:

On behalf of the March of Dimes, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. who joined together to support the health of all babies.

On beautiful, sunny October 10, bikers, residents and volunteers raised more than $52,000 for Bikers for Babies to benefit all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.

Premature birth is the number one killer of babies. It touches nearly half a million babies and their families every year including more than 22,000 babies in Maryland, Virginia and the District. My daughter was born 12 weeks early and weighed just two pounds. She spent two months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and has grown to become an energetic seven-year-old.

Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. In an average week 23 babies across Maryland, Virginia and D.C. die before celebrating their first birthday. Annually, more than 120,000 babies nationwide are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions to ensure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies and is extremely appreciative of its volunteers, sponsors, vendors and donors who assist in supporting its mission. Those interested in becoming more involved can visit marchofdimes.org/marylandmetrodc.

Thank you to our sponsors and leadership is provided by: Walton, Atlantic Cycle and Power, Coleman PowerSports, Glen Burnie Motorsports and Rider Insurance.

Thank you to the committee members and volunteers:  Omega Ryderz, Hogs and Heroes, Adrian McQueen, Maggie Dimatuloc, Jennifer Lee, Bunny Laroque, Stephanie East, Amanda Garner, Delores Lucadamo, Frances Miller, Dimitri Vourlos, Jimmy Buckles, Jeff McGee, Preacher Bacon, the Shiliro family, Full Custom Tattooing and Body Piercing, Throttle Life, Charles County Commission for Women, Over the Weekend and Six Flags of America.

And of course a big thank you to our ride escorts who made the ride safe:  Prince George’s Police Department, Anne Arundel Police Department, Virginia State Police, and Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Again, thank you for assisting the March of Dimes to help give every baby a fighting chance.


Leon Brittain      
Chair, March of Dimes 2015 Bikers for Babies of the DMV