When Rachel Robinson was born, she was born at 26 weeks gestation and weighed less than two pounds.

One and a half year later, the healthy girl was able to enjoy the day with other children, such as Riley Regan, who was also born prematurely.

Robinson and Regan’s parents, Shannon and Richard Robinson and Lynn and Keith Regan, said they wanted to bring their children to the celebration to thank March of Dimes for leading a multimillion-dollar research, awareness and education campaign to help families have healthier babies.   “Thanks to March of Dimes, we’re getting closer to find the causes of premature birth, providing information and emotional support to families affected by prematurity, helping health care providers to improve risk detection and address risk factors and much more,” said March of Dimes – Maui Board Chair John Tomoso, a parent of a former preemie. 

Prematurity is the leading killer of America's newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss.

Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the U.S. In 2005, the United States as a society paid at least $26.2 billion in economic costs associated with preterm birth (medical and educational expenses, loss in productivity).  

“Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman,” said Lynn Araki-Regan who published a brochure titled, “Anyone can have a premature baby.”  In about four out of every 10 cases, the causes are unknown. 

More information on March of Dimes and preterm labor will be showcased at its upcoming “March for Babies,” formerly known as “WalkAmerica,” scheduled on Maui on Saturday, April 5, at War Memorial Gym.   For more information on the upcoming event, visit http://www.marchforbabies.org/ or call Sue Haylor at 572-4088.