Sponsored walk raises money to save infants

Imagine a day where there isn’t a single baby born with a birth defect that makes daily life difficult or when a parent doesn’t have to live through the torment of losing a baby.

The March of Dimes imagines making the world like this, and is currently working towards these and many other goals. Neshaminy High School has become involved with these goals as well.

On April 29, 2001 Greater Philadelphia will be sponsoring their third annual walk for the March of Dimes.

It will be held at Core Creek Park, and the nine-mile walk encompasses the park and the surrounding communities. It will start at 8:30 am and will finish when the walk is over .

All students are invited to participate in the walk. “Mr. Collins and I want to make this an annual event, and have it be part of the Neshaminy experience.”
Ms. Drake, the leader of Greater Philadelphia, commented.

The main goal of the March of Dimes is to drastically improve the health of infants by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes accomplishes this goal by community services, research, education, and advocacy.

There are four major problems that threaten the health of babies in America; birth defects, infant mortality, low birth weight, and a lack of prenatal care.
The March of Dimes originally began work to find polio vaccines. They now focus their efforts on infant births.

They have developed gene therapy for babies that suffer from birth defects, seek causes for premature birth, and have helped millions of uninsured children receive health care coverage.

This year Drake and Greater Philadelphia hope to reach new goals . “Last year we raised over $1,500. This year we hope to raise $3,500 with at least 150 walkers,” Drake said “I really think we’re going to pass that goal though.” She added.

There are already 93 walkers signed up, and the numbers continue to grow. “I’m excited for it,” sophomore, Laura Marks, commented. “The money raised goes to such a good cause that I’m happy to be a part of it.” Marks added.

Walkers raise money by asking people to sponsor them by donating money. If you raise certain amounts of money there are prizes such as Walk America T-shirts and sweatshirts from the March of Dimes.

Students that are interested in being involved can pick up a form and register at room F-8. Students can continue to sign up until the day before the walk.