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The March of Dimes walk fundraiser honors babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.
Funds raised by March for Babies help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects nearly half a million babies each year, and nearly 4,000 babies in Connecticut. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected.
The Morris family from Norwalk -- the March of Dimes Ambassadors Katie, 10, Anessa, 6, and Connor, 3, and their parents, helped lead the way. During the opening ceremonies, mom Christie shared with the crowd how their family has been impacted more than once by prematurity. They walked in honor of their son Jack, who lost his battle with premature birth in 2006. They have led team “Jack’s Angels” since 2006 and have raised more than $25,000 for the March of Dimes.
Katie was born five weeks too soon, weighing 5 pounds, 8 ounces. She spent two weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit before coming home. Jack was born 10 weeks early, and lost his battle at nearly 6 months old, having never left the NICU. Anessa was born nearly three weeks too soon in December 2007 and spent a short time in the NICU for jaundice. Happily, their son Connor was born on his due date in 2010 at a robust 8 pounds.
Nine March for Babies events in Connecticut were held on April 27 and May 3 to 4, aiming to raise $1.2 million. The Stamford event was held Saturday, May 3.
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