FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:  Carmella Hernandez (Tel: 973-2153)

Honolulu to Use Feet to Give Premature Babies a Hand
as Thousands Will Step Out for March of Dimes
March of Dimes WalkAmerica Is the Walk that Saves Babies
by Fighting Birth Defects & Premature Birth

(Honolulu, Hawaii, February 3, 2005)—The March of Dimes has stepped forward to combat the problem of premature births. WalkAmerica, the well-known fund-raising event, is taking place on April 23, 2005 at Kapiolani Park 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 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.
 “We need everyone on Oahu to join WalkAmerica,” said Clint Arnoldus, the Chair of the Hawaii Chapter 2005 WalkAmerica. “It’s easy--just call 973-2155 or 1-800-525-WALK or visit http://www.walkamerica.org/.” he continued. “Everyone’s participation is important because premature birth is such a common and serious problem,” he added.
 In 2005 the national sponsors for WalkAmerica are CIGNA, Kmart, Famous Footwear, FedEx, Farmers Insurance Group, Prevention Magazine and Discovery Health.
“We’re proud to have Lt. Governor Duke Aiona as our Honorary Chair.  We’d also like to thank Central Pacific Bank, Hilo Hattie, Honolulu Star-Bulletin/Midweek, Atlas Insurance, KPMG and HMSA for their support as our premier and major sponsors for 2005, ” Clint Arnoldus said.
“The theme Walk for Someone you Love and the new look speaks well of our mission,” he said. “The pink and baby blue colors help to remind everyone that WalkAmerica is for the babies, like it has been for 35 years now. It’s a good time for a good cause.”
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, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.

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