FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:   

Tim Arndt, Senior State Director

Communications and Marketing

(317) 262-4668 and tarndt@marchofdimes.com

March of Dimes reminds you that premature babies need hope, love, and you—to walk for someone you love.

(Indianapolis, IN, April 18, 2006) – Indiana residents will take to the streets this weekend to support the March of Dimes fight to save premature babies by participating in WalkAmerica in one of 10 communities in Indiana including: Bluffton, Frankfort, Michigan City, Monticello, Rochester, Wabash, Auburn, Bedford, Vincennes and Warsaw. 

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

WalkAmerica events taking place this weekend:

Saturday, April 22nd

• Bluffton WalkAmerica, Starting Line—Bluffton Hardee’s Restaurant, 8:00am Check-in, Start at 9:00am.
• Frankfort WalkAmerica, T.P.A. Park, 8:00am Check-in, Start at 9:00am.
• Michigan City WalkAmerica, Washington Park, 8:00am Check-in, 9:00am Start.
• Monticello WalkAmerica, Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 8:00am Check-in, Start at 9:00am
• Rochester WalkAmerica, Rochester City Park, 8:00am Check-in, Start at 9:00am
• Wabash WalkAmerica, Wabash High School, 8:00am Check-in, Start at 9:00am

Sunday, April 23rd

• Auburn WalkAmerica, Eckhart Park, 12:00pm Check-in, Start at 1:00pm.
• Bedford WalkAmerica, National Guard Armory, 12:00pm Check-in, Start at 1:00pm.
• Vincennes WalkAmerica, Vincennes Univ. Track and Field Stadium, 12:00pm Check-in, Start at 1:00pm. 
• Warsaw WalkAmerica, Edgewood Middle School, 12:00pm Check-in, Start at 1:00pm

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“There is still time to register as an individual walker or as a team, “says Tim Arndt, Sr. State Director of Communications and Marketing.  “Call 1-800-BIG-WALK to register or visit www.walkamerica.org and register online.  People can also register on WalkAmerica day as well by brining the donations they've collected to 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 Janie Sue Dubbs, State Director of Corporate Development and WalkAmerica for the March of Dimes.  “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 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, prematurity 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