With the threat of massive budget cuts, March of Dimes stepped up its effort to protect the state's program to screen newborns by teaming up with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly (former quarterback of the Buffalo Bills).  Kelly lost his eight-year-old son, Hunter, to an infantile disorder. His role and dedication to this campaign has been instrumental in its success.

The March of Dimes advocates for comprehensive newborn screening for all babies in this country. In 2005, Arizona only screened for 6 to 8 metabolic or congenital disorders. Through the ongoing and tireless efforts of our advocates, the state now screens for 28 disorders. According to Diane Zipley, our State Director of Programs and Public Affairs, we literally saved 155 babies in 2009 because of these screenings.

The tests recommended by the March of Dimes enable reliable diagnosis of serious conditions for which there is a proven treatment for a newborn's metabolic or hearing deficiency that can help avoid devastating consequenses.