(Detroit, MI May 1, 2007)— Metro Detroit joined together by the thousands to raise more than $1.7 million in support of the March of Dimes fight to save babies from premature birth – the leading killer of newborns – and other serious threats to infant health. As the March of Dimes biggest annual fund-raiser, WalkAmerica helps support the innovative research and programs needed to find out what causes prematurity and how it can be prevented.
“I am proud that the Metropolitan Detroit area joined the millions of compassionate people across the country who support WalkAmerica every year,” said Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive, and Hines Park Site Chair. “I know we can make difference by giving hope to families.  We can help give all babies the gift of a healthy start,” Mr. Ficano said.
  Babies are in serious need of help.  More than half a million babies are born too soon every year.  Many die.  More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability.  With the money raised in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes is working to save babies from premature birth and birth defects through top-level research into causes and preventions.  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).
 The Metro Detroit WalkAmerica was an exciting event.  In attendance at the Hines Park walk on Saturday, April 28th were, Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive and Hines Park Site Chair, UAW President, Ron Gettelfinger, Joe Hinrichs, Vice President North American Manufacturing Ford Motor Company, Bob King, Vice President UAW Ford, March of Dimes Board members and March of Dimes Ambassador Families.  In addition to those listed above, at the April 29th walk in Detroit at Hart Plaza in attendance was Cal Rapson, Vice President UAW General Motors, and Diana Tremblay, General Motors North America Vice President for Labor Relations.
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. “We are proud to be sponsored locally by sponsors such as Kmart, LaSalle Bank, UAW, UAW GM, UAW Ford, UAW Daimler Chrysler, Comcast, Sherwood Food Distributors and many others,” Tom Riopelle, March of Dimes State Director of Michigan said.
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/michigan.
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