March of Dimes walk to benefit babies

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The March of Dimes WalkAmerica®, the nationally recognized fund-raising event, is taking place on May 20. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the University of Maine Presque Isle. The fund-raiser is designed to help the March of Dimes discover why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.
    Premature birth has increased 29 percent since 1981 and affects one in eight babies. In the state of Maine, 1,500 babies were born prematurely last year, contributing to the 500,000 babies born prematurely the country. Many babies born prematurely die or face lifelong disabilities. More than half the time premature birth happens because of unknown causes.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.
If you would like to become involved in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica®, volunteer your time or show your support in the form of a donation, call the March of Dimes office in Brewer at 989-3376 or e-mail Gene Staffiere at gstaffiere@marchofdimes.com.