Walking for babies

By Danica Baker
Herald Staff Writer

May 12, 2008 10:44 am

— CLINTON — Dozens of area residents walked to raise funds and awareness for the March of Dimes during the annual March for Babies event held Saturday.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Its premier event, March for Babies, formerly was known as WalkAmerica and is the March of Dimes largest fundraising event that benefits all babies — those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. The event was renamed to make a clear connection to what the March of Dimes is all about — the health of babies. The event raises money to fund March of Dimes research and programs, including genetic research, education of healthcare professionals to help identify women at risk for early labor, healthy pregnancy programs for mothers-to-be, and provide comfort, support and information for families who have a newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care or families of babies who do not survive.
March of Dimes Iowa State Chapter Mississippi Valley Division Community Director Indra Brewer said many people might not know the March of Dimes was founded in an effort to support research to find a cure for polio. Originally, the organization’s work focused on the impact of polio on the nation’s children — with the development of the Salk vaccine in 1955, there was a gradual shift to prevention of birth defects, with prevention of premature births now the group’s focus. Brewer said this year’s campaign not only focuses on premature babies, but healthy babies as well.
Brewer said participants from the community come from all walks of life and teams often are formed to rally in support of a co-worker or loved one who has been affected by premature birth, birth defects or infant mortality. This year’s Clinton March for Babies goal was $32,000 and 300 walkers. Obstetrician Dr. Robert Donnelly served as the 2008 Honorary Chairman and Jennifer Hugunin was the 2008 Ambassador Mom.
Brewer said Jackie Sachsenmaier and the Drakesters have been top walkers and top team for many years, having started walking for March of Dimes in 1998. She noted in that time, The Drakesters, in honor of Drake Sachsenmaier, has raised $44,005. Brewer said Jackie has raised $10,599 in that same timeframe and said Drake has been a top walker raising $1,885.
Students of Washington Middle School participated in a dodge ball tournament March 26 through 28 for a nominal entry fee with the proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes.
Nancy Witt, a science teacher at Washington, along with other faculty helped to create and sponsor the event that started out as an afternoon event, but grew to a three-day event.
Last year’s event raised $900 for Team Adeline, whose captain is another Washington Middle School teacher, Lisa Wheat.
Funds raised by March for Babies in Clinton support the Iowa Chapter in the distribution of education materials through health care providers, school programs and also outreaches to women and their families in Clinton through grants. The organization also mentors and provides materials to more than 40 Stork’s Nest programs in the state of Iowa. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
For more information, contact 563-323-6378 or 1-800-530-5456.