(Indianapolis, IN, May 6, 2005) – Marion residents will take to the streets this weekend to support the March of Dimes fight to save premature babies by raising money and participating in WalkAmerica on Saturday, May 7th at Matter Park.  Check in is at 8am and the WalkAmerica starts at 9:00.

The Jasper/Newton Counties WalkAmerica will be held in Rennselaer on May 14th.

By raising money and walking, they will help to fund lifesaving research and innovative programs that helps save babies in their communities, in Indiana and in communities across the nation.

“There is still time to register as an individual walker or as a team, “ said Michelle Przybylski, March of Dimes Community Director.  “Call 1-800-BIG-WALK to register or visit http://www.walkamerica.org/ and register online.  People can also register on WalkAmerica day as well.  They should just come to the location and turn in the donations they've collected at Check-in. We hope everyone will raise money and take part in WalkAmerica and let themselves in on one of the finest feelings that there is—the feeling that you’re helping a tiny, defenseless baby win the struggle to survive. ”

The WalkAmerica routes vary in length but most are 6.2 miles or a 10-kilometer route. The routes wind through some of the most picturesque communities in Indiana and include food and water and entertainment stops along the way culminating in food and fun that is set up at the WalkAmerica finish line. “It’s a great family day together,” says Przybylski.  “Many of our walkers have been walking for years and wouldn’t miss it. Some walk in memory or honor of a child they knew that was born too soon or too small who struggled against all odds to survive premature birth and many walk in memory of those babies who lost that fight."

WalkAmerica has raised funds over the last 35 years to fund the March of Dimes lifesaving research and innovative programs to find ways to prevent premature birth and other problems that jeopardize babies’ lives. To register for WalkAmerica in your community, call 1-800-BIG-WALK or visit http://www.walkamerica.org/. 

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 campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com/Indiana or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org