Cincinnati, Ohio – February 2008 — The March of Dimes Greater Cincinnati Division is pleased to announce that Herana-Daze Jones, second-year pro safety with the Cincinnati Bengals, and his wife Khai will serve as honorary co-chairs for March for Babies at Sawyer Point.  Formerly known as WalkAmerica, March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. 

“I’m proud to be a part of such an important mission. My wife and I are blessed with a healthy child; we know the March of Dimes played an important role in giving my wife her 9 months.” Jones said.  “Everyone can be a champion for baby health by signing up for March for Babies.” He continued.  Herana-Daze Jones (pronounced “Hernandez”) was the Bengals special teams tackling leader in ’06. Jones signed with the Bengals in 2005 as a college free agent. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, where he was an academic All-Big Ten selection. He and Khai have one child. Khai is actively involved in helping the local March of Dimes in its efforts to save lives.

“The involvement of high profile local leaders across the nation is a key element in our goal of helping more babies come into the world healthy,” said Karen Keller, March of Dimes Ohio State Director. “We are fortunate to have a couple so committed to our cause.”

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. 358 babies are born too soon each week just in Ohio. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities.  More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.

In Greater Cincinnati, March for Babies will take place on April 27th at 9:00am at Sawyer Point. (Registration begins at 8:00am.) Greater Cincinnati residents can sign up today to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies.  Funds raised by March for Babies in Cincinnati support research progress by local scientists and doctors, community projects to help pregnant women have healthy outcomes, and educational opportunities for health care providers to help give every woman her 9 months.
“It’s easy to join me,” said Herana-Daze. “Just visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 1-800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.”

In 2008, national March for Babies sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx, Grain Foods Foundation, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com, and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner which has raised more than $63 million for babies.  Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Outdoor Services and Ther-Rx.

In Cincinnati we are proud also to be sponsored by Duke Energy, Citi, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, National City, TriHealth Women’s Health, The E.W. Scripps Company, WCPO-TV, Fox 92.5, and Kiss 107.

About 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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.