Kansas City, MO, — At WalkAmerica, over 4,500 people walked together to raise more than $700,000 in support of the March of Dimes efforts to save babies from premature birth. The annual fund raiser 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 Kansas City is one of more than a thousand communities across the nation where caring people walked together to save babies from premature birth,” said Tim Kelly, WalkAmerica Chair. “I know through funds raised at events like Walk America we can make a difference in the prevention of premature birth.  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 our goal 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,” Kelly said.

In 2005, the national sponsors for WalkAmerica are CIGNA, Discovery Health Channel, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance, FedEx, Kmart, Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Prevention Magazine. “We’re proud here in Kansas City to also have Sprint, Farmers Insurance, Citi, Black & Veatch, Lockton, lock\line and UAW-Ford Motor Company as sponsors,” Kelly 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 an eight-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.