(Nashville, Tenn. – April 19) – The forecast called for thunderstorms all afternoon, but that didn’t keep Nashville families at home. Approximately 1,500 dedicated walkers came out to Centennial Park for the March of Dimes March for Babies event. Strollers adorned with umbrellas packed the wet grounds as families and teams came out to celebrate raising more than half a million dollars to help babies be born healthy. Participants can still turn in money or donate at marchforbabies.org.

Special guests at the day’s events included Bernie Sherry, CEO of Baptist Hospital, the presenting sponsor, and Greg and Jen Zanon, the 2009 Nashville Ambassador family. Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman kicked off the festivities with a heartfelt thank-you to all who braved the weather, and musician Kelly Clarkson joined walkers on the route.

‘The money we raised today will ensure that one day every baby has the healthy start in life they deserve”   said  Roy Haisley, Chairman, Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors.  “We’ve made a difference in the lives of babies here and across America. We should feel really good about what we’ve done here today. It takes all of us working and walking together to help our babies.” 

“It was a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family,” said Nashville Predators defenseman Greg Zanon, who along with wife Jen and daughters Rylynn and Alanya served as the 2009 Nashville Ambassador Family. “When Rylynn was born premature, we decided to do everything we could to make sure that other families don’t go through what we did, and we were honored to be able to support the March of Dimes today.” 

Dollars raised from the event fund research, awareness, education, and local community grants for programs such as “Pamper Me Well”, funded by the Ellie Turner grant, led by Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD, MPH who is the Director, Bureau of Family, Youth and Infant Health, Metro Nashville Davidson County Public Health Department. The Pamper Me Well program provides preconception health information to target populations to prevent prematurity and infant mortality. The Tennessee March of Dimes chapter distributes more than $2 million in active research grants yearly, as well as an additional $700,000 to support local community programs.

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. The March of Dimes issued a Report Card on Premature Birth, giving the nation a D and Tennessee an F. 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 who are affected. 

In 2009 national March for Babies sponsors are Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx, First Response, Liberty Tax Services and Ther-Rx.
In Nashville, March for Babies is sponsored by Baptist Hospital.

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.

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