Michelle Levy, Farmers Insurance, (512) 791-7445, michelle.levy@farmersinsurance.com
Elizabeth Lynch, March of Dimes, (914) 997-4286, elynch@marchofdimes.com
Todd Dezen, March of Dimes, (914) 997-4608, tdezen@marchofdimes.com
WHITE PLAINS, APRIL 6, 2011 – Heather Gilbert gave birth prematurely to identical twin boys in 1995, each weighing in at slightly more than 2 pounds. Only one of her sons, Daniel, survived.
Now Ms. Gilbert will be one of more than 15,000 Farmers Insurance Group agents, district managers and their staffs holding Farmers’ 2011 “Be a Hero for Babies Day” on June 29 to raise funds for the March of Dimes. The funds will help more mothers have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. For Ms. Gilbert, a Farmers District Recruiter from Portland, Oregon, the effort is personal.
“The work of the March of Dimes is vital because so many babies are born early or with birth defects,” Ms. Gilbert says. “These small babies can’t battle for their lives alone. They need support and love; not only from their families but from the doctors and staff that care for them in the NICU. The March of Dimes is able to provide research studies, education and community services to give babies like mine a fighting chance for survival. I ask everyone to join Be a Hero for Babies Day to give your own gift from the heart.”
“Be a Hero for Babies Day shows a commitment by Farmers district managers and agents across the country to help the March of Dimes improve the health of babies,’’ said Bob Woudstra, Farmers Chief Executive Officer. “We won’t rest until every baby is born healthy and strong.”
Prematurity is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today and the leading cause of newborn death. Babies who survive often face lifelong health problems and disabilities such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and others. Even infants born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants.
Farmers has raised nearly $30 million for the March of Dimes over the course of their 22-year partnership. You can join Be A Hero For Babies Day by texting the word hero to 20222 to make a $5 donation, or visit marchofdimes.com/farmers.
“Farmers has an outstanding record of volunteer service, contributing time, energy, talent and fundraising to help babies. We thank them for being a ‘Hero for Babies’ and raising urgently needed funds that support the important work of the March of Dimes,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.
About Farmers Insurance Group
As the nation’s third -largest personal property and casualty insurance group, Farmers is committed to improving the communities where their customers, agents and employees live and work. Farmers’ commitment to the March of Dimes spans more than two decades and includes the time and talents of nearly 18,000 employees and 15,500 agents and district managers.
About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
