WAILUA — When Kaiwi was born, he weighed just two pounds, two ounces and was about the size of a water bottle, according to his mother, Amber Harder. Kaiwi, now 5 years old, spent Saturday trying to catch bubbles emitted
WAILUA — When Kaiwi was born, he weighed just two pounds, two ounces and was about the size of a water bottle, according to his mother, Amber Harder.
Kaiwi, now 5 years old, spent Saturday trying to catch bubbles emitted by a special machine manned by Mike Dandurand at the kickoff for the annual March for Babies at Lydgate Park.
Some 200 people, many representing community groups and businesses, took advantage of a beautiful sunny morning to take a two-mile walk along the bicycle and pedestrian path through Lydgate Park as a March of Dimes fundraiser.
Cheryl Ann Farrell, the event coordinator, said the committee estimated the event will raise some $40,000.
Farrell said this year marked the 40th anniversary for the March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica.
“We always walk for babies,” said Debbie Chuckas, the Macy’s West store manager, a longtime supporter of the event.
Kaiwi, the Ambassador Baby for Kaua‘i, was born more than 14 weeks early. He was able to enjoy the Saturday event due to technological advances developed through research funded by the March of Dimes.
A child born premature of a full-term pregnancy of 40-42 weeks can have under-developed lungs which can lead to respiratory problems, shallow breathing and pneumonia. Other complications can include blood infections, digestive distress, and health issues that make it difficult for keiki to survive.
While many walked, Kanoe Ahuna and her Garden Island Renegade Rollerz skated to help raise funds.
“I’m very excited that my Kaua‘i roller derby team will be a part of March for Babies,” Ahuna, known as Suki2U in Roller Derby circles, said in an e-mail. “In addition to funding March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives, contributions also are used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.”
“Viva La GIRR for healthy babies,” she said.
Esti Grinpas, a certified Nordic Walking instructor, had her group, each armed with Nordic Walking Sticks, on hand to take advantage of helping babies while spreading awareness of the new athletic craze.
“I’ve been to almost all of Esti’s classes and walks,” said Jean Souza who came from Hanapepe for the event. “You don’t need to take the classes to walk because she has special Nordic walks like these.”
Grinpas, trained in Nordic Walking in Switzerland and California, will be offering classes starting Thursday at Kapa‘a Elementary School. Visit NordicWalkHawaii.com for more information.
Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. stopped by on his way to the University of Hawai‘i Green and White game and scrimmage, noting the healthy aspects of the March, not only for babies, but for families as well.
Visit www.marchforbabies.org for more information.
