Tenacious Toddlers to Appear at Bikers for Babies
29-Aug-08 |
Tenacious Toddlers to Appear at Bikers for Babies
2008 March of Dimes Ambassadors Will “Rev Up” the Crowd
(Cincinnati, Ohio) — The Gerbus family understands firsthand what it can mean if a baby is not born healthy. When 4-year-olds Benny and Gracie Gerbus were born 3-months too soon, no one knew if the tiny babies would survive. The twins, both weighing less than 2-and-a-half pounds, suffered from an array of conditions brought on by their early births. Doctors diagnosed Benny and Gracie with a heart condition common in preemies called patent ductus arteriosus. Gracie needed delicate surgery. There were also bouts of jaundice, respiratory difficulties, and dehydration. Doctors continue to monitor Benny for eyesight problems due to retinopathy of prematurity. Parents, Benjamin and Grace Gerbus say they know the significant role that March of Dimes research played in helping their twins get this far, so they’re grateful for the chance to serve as the 2008 Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Bikers For Babies Ambassador Family.
Millions of babies have been saved from death or disability thanks to advances made by March of Dimes-funded scientists, including 13 Nobel Prize® winners. But too many babies, including Benny and Gracie, are still born prematurely or with birth defects.
“No parent should have to experience the life-changing consequences that can result from having a baby born too soon,” said Grace Gerbus. “That’s why we’re honored to have this opportunity to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies. Every year, thousands of compassionate motorcyclists show they care by taking part in Bikers for Babies.”
In Greater Cincinnati, Bikers for Babies will take place on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 2:00pm. Registration starts at 1:00pm. Individual riders as well as members of clubs can join to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year, 350 residents participated, raising $58,000. In Greater Cincinnati, funds raised by Bikers for Babies supports local programs which better the health of pregnant women and their babies, research studies targeting the different causes of premature birth, and educational opportunities to help prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.
This year’s Bikers for Babies event will start and end at the Aces & Eights Harley-Davidson/Buell located in Mason, near Kings Island. There’s a $30 registration fee for riders and a $15 registration fee for passengers.
George, from the KISS 107 Morning Show, will host the festivities and lead the pack.
For more information on the event and to register online, go to www.bikersforbabiescincynky.org.
The national sponsor of Bikers for Babies is the Farmers Insurance Group. Sponsorship in Greater Cicinnati is provided by: CBS Personnel, Farmers, Aces & Eights Harley-Davidson/Buell, Compass, US Bank, Grant Thornton, Dinsmore & Shohl, Essential Staff Care, MTM Technologies, Von Lehman Company, inc., Planning Works, Ltd., Peoplenet, Office Max, I & Eye Productions, PAi, Kiss 107, 700 WLW, Road Wheeler Motorcycle Magazine, The Hartford, and AT&T.
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. |
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