(Indianapolis, IN)—Leaders from across Indiana are gathering in 42 communities in Indiana this month to officially begin the local WalkAmerica effort for the March of Dimes with the annual Team Captain Kick Off party.

The annual event brings leaders of the WalkAmerica effort together to celebrate the beginning of the WalkAmerica season, the walk that saves babies.

Every year more than half a million babies are born too soon, many having to fight to survive.  In Indiana 1 in 8 newborns are born prematurely.   Even when these tiny babies survive they can face lifelong health problems and disabilities as a consequence.  WalkAmerica fund March of Dimes research into finding the causes of premature birth and birth defects and developing treatments and preventions to save babies’ lives.

WalkAmerica will take place in over 40 communities in Indiana this spring.   It is sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.   WalkAmerica features routes that average 6-miles as well as food, music and entertainment. 

In 2007, National WalkAmerica Sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner who has raised more than $55.5 million to save babies.  Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Grain Foods Foundation, Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Outdoor Services. 

            For more information or to register for WalkAmerica please visit walkamerica.org, or call 1-800-BIG-WALK.