Atlanta, GA -- April 25, 2009 – An estimated 15,000 people came out today for the March for Babies events across the metro – the March of Dimes largest annual fundraiser to support their work to end prematurity and birth defects. From the events that took place in Downtown Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta and Duluth today, families in the metro raised nearly $3 million for babies – one step and one dollar at a time – bringing the statewide total raised to more than $5 million.
The March for Babies is especially important to Atlanta families because more than seven percent of the approximately 2,735 babies born weekly in Georgia are premature – the leading cause of death among infants within the first month of life.
“Thanks to the tremendous support and enthusiasm from Atlanta residents, we were able to raise millions for crucial infant research and treatments so one day, all babies will be born healthy,” said Mike McConnell, 2009 March for Babies Chair.  “As a father who experienced first-hand the importance of the March of Dimes efforts, I am awe-struck at what we can do when we all come together for a common cause.”
The four area walks were part of a national effort with events taking place in more than 900 communities nationwide. Across the country, teams of families and companies joined together to March for Babies, each raising money to give every baby a healthy start.
Money raised from these important events will help the March of Dimes fast-track important infant research so we can better understand why babies are born too soon or with birth defects. The money will also be at work locally via community grants. Last year, the Georgia chapter contributed nearly $1.5 million for efforts such as:
– Angel II Neonatal Transport Unit,  a highly specialized ambulance that acts as a neonatal intensive care unit on wheels when an infant is in need of transport in a delicate condition.

– Atlanta Medical Center’s NICU Family Support Service to provide counseling for families dealing with a sick baby.

– Awareness campaigns to help both mom and baby stay healthy like the recently announced Sounds of Pertussis campaign which educates new parents and their families about pertussis, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease for infants that can be presented with a simple vaccine.

Sponsors
In Atlanta, March for Babies is sponsored by State Sponsor Macy’s, Metro Presenting Sponsor Kaiser
Permanente, Platinum Sponsor AirTran Airways, Picnic Sponsor Publix Super Market, Inc. and Northside
Hospital. Media Sponsors include WSB TV 2, Univision 34, 104.7 The Fish, STAR 94,
MAJIC 107.5/97.5, Hot 107.9, Praise 102.5, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Daily Report, Clear Channel
Outdoor and CBS Outdoor.

National March for Babies 2009 sponsors are Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate
supporter, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies,
FedEx, First Response, Liberty Tax Services, and Mead Johnson Nutrition.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading non-profit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies 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.

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