LIHU‘E — One day, all babies will be born healthy. That is a vision shared by supporters of the March of Dimes March for Babies, set for April 10 at Lydgate Park. Registration for the March is at 7:30 a.m.,
LIHU‘E — One day, all babies will be born healthy.
That is a vision shared by supporters of the March of Dimes March for Babies, set for April 10 at Lydgate Park.
Registration for the March is at 7:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 8 a.m.
Members of the Baby Rockers, a March of Dimes team from Wilcox Memorial Hospital, hosted a bake sale in the hospital’s lobby to help fundraise for the annual event, which used to be known as Walkamerica.
“All of the nurses donated items for the sale,” said Cathy Conradi-Poblacion, a Baby Rocker manning the tables. “In fact, the whole hospital contributed something to help.”
Jan Royal, another volunteer, said the ladies and most of the team members are from the women and infant department of the hospital.
“Right now, we have about 10 or 12 walkers,” said Conradi-Poblacion. “We’re hoping we can get at least 15 walkers on April 10.”
Cheryl Ann Farrell, March for Babies event coordinator, said there is still time for people to register for the annual event, which helps March of Dimes.
Visit www.marchforbabies.org to register online, she said in an e-mail.
A final rally will be held on April 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the March of Dimes “headquarters,” Rob’s Good Times Grill in the Rice Shopping Center.
One of eight babies in the United States, and one of seven babies in Hawai‘i, are born prematurely, with almost half via unknown causes, states a proclamation celebrating the March for Babies signed by Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
The incidence of premature birth, one of the leading causes of infant death, has risen 29 percent since 1981, and premature babies who survive often suffer long-term consequences including chronic health conditions or developmental disabilities.
The battle for the health and well-being of America’s children has been fought by the March of Dimes for 71 years, through programs of research, education, community services and advocacy.
Since the 1970 start of the March of Dimes Walkamerica, now known as the March for Babies, the event has raised more than $1 billion to support the cutting-edge research and innovative programs which have helped babies get a healthy start, Farrell said.
People on Kaua‘i, residents and visitors alike, can join the fight by participating in the April 10 event at Lydgate Park.
The walk is approximately three miles, and all participants can enjoy a morning stroll by the beach ending with a healthy breakfast donated by Papaya’s and Sweet Marie’s, Farrell said.
On the menu will be egg frittata, fresh fruit and gluten-free muffins, states a release from the March of Dimes.
“Thanks to Ventures Associates, we are able to go ‘green’ with bio-degradable plates,” Farrell said in the release.
Following the walk, there will be a keiki fun zone, games, prizes and lots of fun. Members of the Lions Club will also be on hand with a special promotion to help babies receive eyesight testing.
The Baby Rockers will be there.
“Don’t forget to look for the Wilcox ‘peach’ T-shirts,” said Brooke Johnson in an e-mail. “There will be a crowd of ‘em!”
Visit www.marchforbabies.org for more information, or to register online, or call Farrell at 652-1284.
