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Health & Fitness

Hundreds Will March for Stronger, Healthier Babies in Danbury

Hundreds Will March for Stronger, Healthier Babies in Danbury Annual March for Babies Scheduled for Saturday, May 4

On Saturday, May 4 at Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury, hundreds of families and business leaders will join together to March for Babies—the March of Dimes walk honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Funds raised help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. 

Helping to lead the festivities will be the 2013 Ambassador family, the Orvis family of New Fairfield.  High school senior Paul Orvis V was born nearly 17 weeks too soon and weighed just 1 lb. 5 oz.  He ultimately spent 95 days in the 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. 

Having supported the March of Dimes for many years, Paul’s mother Dawn reflected on their journey by saying, “as Paul nears the completion of his high school career and sets out to new challenges at college, the March of Dimes celebrates its 75th anniversary by continuing its work to ensure that babies who are born early have the best chance for living a happy and healthy life, like Paul.”

Also leading the event will be Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police.  Vance, a grandfather to a six-year old who was born 15 weeks too soon, is the Connecticut Chapter’s 75th Anniversary Ambassador.

“This unique organization has brought together presidents, celebrities, scientists, parents and citizens to ensure that babies get a healthy start, as and a father and grandfather, there is nothing more important,” said Vance. “I am proud to support the March of Dimes and I’m thrilled to help celebrate 75 years of accomplishments for babies.” 

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m.  Participants will enjoy a family friendly environment with kids activities, entertainment, food and beverages and more. To register visit marchforbabies.org or marchofdimes.com/ct.  All walkers who raise $200 or more will receive an event t-shirt and those raising $350 or more will have the choice of a Macy’s or Kmart gift card.   

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. 

Danbury March for Babies is sponsored by Matrix Corporate Center, Reproductive Medical Associates of Danbury, Connex International, Branson Ultrasonics Corp., Fairfield County Bank of Danbury, 98Q, WLAD, B107  and supported by statewide sponsors, NBC Connecticut and Comcast.  March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy’s, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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