(Portland, OR), (April 26, 2008) — Over 350 Central Oregon residents joined together in Bend to raise nearly $35,000 for March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, to benefit all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. The Greater Oregon Chapter expects to raise $1.2 million in 19 March for Babies sites throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

“I am proud that Central Oregon residents joined together to support the health of all babies,” said Celia Wheeler, State March for Babies Director. “The efforts made and money raised by our volunteers this year will help the March of Dimes achieve its goal of ensuring that every baby has a healthy start in life that much sooner.”

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 1 in 10 in Oregon – a 17% increase in the last decade. 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 ensure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.

Of the money raised today, 77 cents of each dollar will be spent on research and programs to help find ways to protect and defend our babies’ health.

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 the Central Oregon area we are proud also to be sponsored by PacificSource Health Plans, KeyBank, Dex, Big 5 and TLC Credit Union,” Chris Huyett, Community Director, said.

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 by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.