Combining their passion for running with their dedication to the March of Dimes’ mission, the Neeble-Heft family will ‘Strive for 475’. If Mike Neeble and Tammy Heft can meet their goal, they hope to raise $10,560 for the March of Dimes in 2011.

Beginning their quest on November 17, 2010 – Prematurity Awareness Day – Mike and Tammy will each run 475 miles before their local March for Babies event, scheduled to take place April 30, 2011.

Why 475 miles? Mike and Tammy discoverd that it takes 475 dimes to equal 2 pounds, 6 ounces – which was the weight of their youngest son, Cooper, when he was born at only 27 weeks.

Why $10,560? According to the March of Dimes website, if one were to collect a mile of dimes, this would equal about $10,560.

Mike and Tammy invite others to ‘join, support, pass it along’. Friends have pledged their own walking and running efforts, hoping to also log 475 miles before April 30. Mike and Tammy are hoping to get pledges of a dime per mile completed, resulting in a donation of $47.50 to the March of Dimes from each sponsor. As their story and their effort is shared, the family hopes to increase awareness of and support for the mission of the March of Dimes – to give every baby the chance for a healthy start.

 
To learn more about Cooper’s story and the family’s ‘Strive for 475’, please visit www.cooptroop.org . For information about how you might join the Coop Troop at their local March for Babies and/or support their efforts, visit www.marchforbabies.org/tamaraheft.

For a listing of ALL March for Babies events in the Virginia Chapter, Click Here!