The March of Dimes has stepped forward to combat the problem of premature births. WalkAmerica, the well-known fund-raising event, is celebrating its 34th year to help the March of Dimes find the answers to why premature birth happens and what can be done about it.
This serious problem has increased 27 percent since 1981, and affects one out of every eight babies.  Many babies born prematurely die or face lifelong disabilities. More than half the time premature birth happens for unknown causes.  The 34th Annual WalkAmerica will take place at five locations on four islands. Please mark your calendars and join us in raising funds to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Lihue, Kauai Saturday, March 27th
Lydgate Park 4:00 p.m.

Kona, Hawaii Saturday, April 3rd
Hale Halawai 7:30 a.m.

Honolulu, Oahu Saturday, April 17th
Kapiolani Park Bandstand 7:30 a.m.

Kahului, Maui Saturday, April 17th
War Memorial Gym 7:00 a.m.

Hilo, Hawaii Sunday, May 2nd
Mooheau Park 8:00 a.m.

In 2004 the national sponsors for WalkAmerica are CIGNA, Kmart, Famous Footwear and Discovery Health. We’re proud here in Hawaii to also have Panasonic, HMSA, American Express, Aloha Airlines, NBC News 8, First Hawaiian Bank, FM 100, Continental Airlines and Kmart Hawaii as local sponsors.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects 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 five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.  For more information and to register, call 973-2155 on Oahu or 1-800-272-5240 on the neighbor islands.