March of Dimes March for Babies Raises $60,000 Saturday

More than 300 residents came out to support Connecticut’s tiniest citizens – babies --  on Saturday morning at Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury and to-date raised nearly $60,000 at March for Babies, the March of Dimes walk fundraiser to honor babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.  Nine March for Babies events in Connecticut on April 27-28 and May 4-5 will aim to raise $1.4 million, the March of Dimes reported Saturday.

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. 

Helping lead the festivities were Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police and the March of Dimes 75th Anniversary Ambassador, as well as the Orvis family of New Fairfield.  High school senior Paul Orvis V helped cut the start ribbon as the event’s official ambassador, having been born nearly 17 weeks too soon and weighing just 1 lb. 5 oz.  He ultimately spent 95 days in a neonatal intensive care unit receiving specialized care for premature newborns.  He also received surfactant, a therapy developed in part through March of Dimes funding, to help mature his tiny lungs. 

The March of Dimes celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life.  More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. 

The March of Dimes thanks all walkers, donors, volunteers and sponsors for their support of March for Babies.