Linda Hunt Named 2012 March for Babies Phoenix Chair

March of Dimes Arizona Chapter announced Linda Hunt of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center has accepted the important role of 2012 March for Babies Phoenix Chair. The news comes on the first ever World Prematurity Day (November 17), where March of Dimes joined organizations in Europe, Africa and Australia to call on governments worldwide to reduce death and disability caused by premature birth. Worldwide, 13 million babies are born early every year, including more than half a million in the United States.  

As March for Babies Phoenix Chair, Linda Hunt has set a goal to raise $1 million. Funds raised will support March of Dimes mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant death.    

March for Babies — the nation’s premier walking event — is held in 900 communities across the United States. More than 7 million people get involved each year. March for Babies Phoenix will be held Saturday, April14, 2012 at Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 West Washington Street.  

On World Prematurity Day, St. Joseph’s Hospital held an internal kick-off for the upcoming March for Babies Campaign. After Linda Hunt announced to employees that she would be leading the fundraising efforts, local March for Babies ambassador Renee Belcastro shared her story. Renee’s daughter, Reagan, was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center at 25 weeks. Just a few days before the kick-off, Reagan celebrated her first birthday.   Local families who spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center participated in a stroller race, while employees filled hundreds of piggy banks with loose change – in support of March for Babies.

About St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center:

Located in the heart of Phoenix, Ariz., St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 607-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services with special advocacy for the poor and underserved. St. Joseph’s is a nationally recognized center for quality tertiary care, medical education and research. It includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, the Heart & Lung Institute, cancer services, and the first Level I Trauma Center in Arizona verified by the American College of Surgeons. U.S. News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph’s among the best hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery.  

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. March for Babies — the nation’s premier walking event — is held in 900 communities across the United States. More than 7 million people get involved each year. For more information visit www.marchforbabies.com or www.nacersano.org.