(Savannah, GA  April 23, 2007)— Savannah’s very own local American Idol star, Stephanie Edwards, will kickoff the walk that saves babies, March of Dimes WalkAmerica, by singing the national anthem!  Join Stephanie and hundreds of others in the fight to save babies from premature birth – the leading killer of newborns.

“The babies in Savannah need our help,” said Sue Adler, Executive Director of the SE Division, March of Dimes.   “By being a part of WalkAmerica, we can help save babies and give hope to families.  We can help give all babies the gift of a healthy start,” she added. 

Stephanie is the second youngest female in the Top 24 of American Idol - Season Six. Born in Savannah, GA, she was only a toddler when she started talking and singing. In 2005, she won the title of “Savannah Star” and has never lost any competition she has joined.

WalkAmerica is March of Dimes grassroots effort to raise money for the fight to prevent birth defects, infant mortality and stem the growing crisis of premature birth, the leading killer of newborns. Many participants walk for personal reasons; some in memory of a child lost to premature birth, some to spare others the problems they faced. More than half a million babies are born too soon every year.  Many die.  More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime disability. 

“Last year Savannah raised a $150,000 to help find the causes of premature birth.  Our goal this year is to reach $195,000,” said Sue Adler.  “Join me and the millions of compassionate people across the country who support WalkAmerica every year.”

With Savannah’s support in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes conducts top-level research into causes and preventions of premature birth and birth defects.  The March of Dimes also brings information and emotional support to families who have had a premature or sick baby who is being treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

 For more information about WalkAmerica, or to join the event in Savannah on April 28th, visit walkamerica.org or call 1-800-525-WALK.

In 2007, National WalkAmerica Sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner who has raised more than $55.5 million to save babies.  Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Grain Foods Foundation, Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Outdoor Services.

Savannah sponsors include Georgia Ports, Tronox, St. Josephs/Candler, Atlanta Gas Light, International Paper, Gulfstream, Georgia Pacific, Georgia Power, Amerigroup, Savannah Morning News, WTOC, and Cumulus Broadcasting.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, 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.

Media Contact – Sue Adler, 912-354-5900 or sjadler@marchofdimes.com

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