Charleston, SC, April 8, 2008 — The Crocker family understands firsthand what it can mean if a baby is not born healthy. When Dylan, Ryan, & Sarah Crocker were born 11 weeks too soon, parents Kim and David, of Daniel Island, knew they faced an uncertain journey. Dylan and Sarah spent two months in Neonatal Intensive Care at MUSC Children’s Hospital before they were able to go home. Ryan spent nearly four months in the NICU before he passed away.

 Kim and David understand the significant role that March of Dimes research played in helping the care their babies received. “The March of Dimes played a critical role in the development of Neonatal Units, and March of Dimes researchers discovered Surfactant Therapy—which is a lifesaving treatment to help babies with underdeveloped lungs breath” says Kim Crocker. “That’s why we are grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 2008 March for Babies Ambassador Family in Charleston this year” she adds.

 The Crocker family will share their story to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to help all babies get a healthy start by fighting serious threats to infant health, including premature birth.

 Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 168 babies in South Carolina each week. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families.

 “No parent should have to experience the life-changing consequences that can result from having a baby born too soon,” said Kim Crocker.  “That’s why we’re honored to have this opportunity to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies.”

 March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, 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.  In Charleston, March for Babies will take place on April 26 at 9:00 am at Cannon Park (261 Calhoun St). Low Country residents can sign up today to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at reaching the goal of giving every baby a healthy start.  Funds raised by this March for Babies event support research and grants awarded to programs that improve infant and maternal health in South Carolina.

 Kim & David urged walkers and donors to 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 Charleston March for Babies is also sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, MUSC Children’s Hospital, Wachovia, Publix, Robert Bosch Corporation, MUSC Women’s Health, WTMA, Comcast, & Lowcountry Parent.  Sponsorship opportunities for the inaugural year of March for Babies in Charleston are still available.

 Last year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invested more than $4.2 million in program services, including research grants and local community services.  Through these grants, the March of Dimes is seeking ways to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s increasing premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.