(Indianapolis, IN, April 10, 2007)— Over the course of the next 4 weeks WalkAmerica, the walk to save babies, takes place in over 40 cities and towns in Indiana and involves thousands of Indiana residents.  Leading the way are the WalkAmerica events in Crawfordsville, Muncie, New Castle and Plainfield.  WalkAmerica supports the March of Dimes fight to save babies from premature birth – the leading killer of newborns – and from other serious threats to infant health.  

“The babies in our communities need our help,” said Tim Arndt, March of Dimes.   “By being a part of WalkAmerica, we can help save babies and give hope to families.  We can help give all babies the gift of a healthy start,” he added. 
 More than half a million babies are born too soon every year, over 11,000 in Indiana- 1 in 8.   Many die.  More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime disability. 

That’s why WalkAmerica has been the country’s best-loved walking event since its beginnings in 1970. As the first national walk, it has become the March of Dimes largest fundraiser. To date WalkAmerica takes place in 1,500 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  Now in its 37th year, WalkAmerica is expected to draw 1 million walkers. Overall, more than 7 million men, women and children will participate as sponsors, volunteers and walkers this year.

With Indiana’s support in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes conducts top-level research into causes and preventions of premature birth and birth defects.  The March of Dimes also brings information and emotional support to families who have had a premature or sick baby who is being treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 

For more information about WalkAmerica, or to join the event visit walkamerica.org or call 1-800-BIG-WALK.
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.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  For more information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org for Spanish.