Human Interest

White Plains, NY--(HISPANIC PR WIRE – PRNewswire)--January 16, 2008--WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes largest fundraising event, which brought in $117 million nationwide last year, has been renamed March for Babies. The new name makes a clear connection to what the March of Dimes is all about -- the health of babies.

“The name of our event has changed, but our mission stays the same -- working towards the day when every baby is born healthy,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes. “We hope the new name will bring more people on board to help make that day a reality.”

In addition to a new name, March for Babies has a new Web site. Interested walkers and donors can visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 1-800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.

The new name of its signature event is part of a larger March of Dimes initiative focused on all babies -- those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. The March of Dimes also has released a new public service advertising campaign, and is offering pregnant women and moms new medical information in ways that fit their active lifestyles, such as email, podcasts, and text messaging.

Dr. Howse emphasized that the mission priority of the March of Dimes is to fight the growing crisis of prematurity. “Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death, and we are committed to reducing its toll,” she said. “By engaging more people in our mission, and educating more pregnant women and moms about healthy babies, we hope to reach that goal much sooner.”

In 2008, national March for Babies sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx, Grain Foods Foundation, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com, and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner, which has raised more than $63 million for babies. Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Outdoor Services, and Ther-Rx.

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 http://www.marchofdimes.com or http://www.nacersano.org.