(Indianapolis, IN, May 1, 2005)—At WalkAmerica, more than 3,000 in Indianapolis walked together to raise more than $225,000 in support of the March of Dimes efforts to save babies from premature birth. The annual fundraiser supports research, education, community programs and advocacy to help prevent premature birth, a leading cause of newborn death and a major cause of lifelong disabilities. Volunteers, who were asked to walk for someone they love, enthusiastically participated in teams, with their families and as individuals.

Premature birth is a serious problem that has increased 29 percent since 1981, affecting more than 470,000 babies every year, or one out of every eight. It takes a tremendous financial, emotional and physical toll on babies and their families, and in more than half the cases, happens for unknown causes.

“I am proud that Indianapolis is one 48 communities in Indiana, and one of more than a thousand communities across the nation, where caring people walked together to save babies from premature birth,” said Janie Sue Dubbs, State Director of Corporate Development and WalkAmerica. “I know we can make an enormous difference in the fight to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. Over the past 67 years, the March of Dimes has saved millions of babies from death and disability and the money we raised this year will go to saving countless more. It is because of people like these who are willing to give their time, talent and money that one day no baby will be born too soon and all babies will be born healthy. With the commitment of the March of Dimes and the legions of dedicated volunteers, that day just got a little closer, ” Dubbs said.

  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.