CLARION, Pa. — The March of Dimes will host a March for Babies Kick-off on Thursday, February 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Park Inn by Radisson in Clarion.
(Photo: Derrick Forbes)
Representatives from local companies, Family Teams, and organizations are invited to stop by to learn how they can make a difference by supporting the March of Dimes March for Babies.
This year, the Clarion March for Babies will held on Saturday, April 30, in Tippin Gymnasium at Clarion University. Families and businesses throughout Clarion will join together in March for Babies to support the work of the March of Dimes.
“Participating in March for Babies is an important way to support the cause of healthy babies,” said Megan Laird, 2016 March for Babies Community Director. “Whether you walk to celebrate a baby in your life or to honor one who did not survive, together we can work to prevent premature birth and other infant health problems and look forward to a day when every baby is born healthy and strong.”
The March of Dimes, March for Babies in Clarion is proud to also announce the 2016 Ambasasdor Family, Rick and Anie Forbes, along with their twins, Jeanelle and Derrick.
Derrick and Jeanelle were born 9 weeks early, Derrick weighing just 4 pounds, 3 ounces and Jeanelle (pictured below) just 3 pounds, 7 ounces. Both twins faced multiple hurdles and struggled to gain weight and breathe on their own.
After 28 days in the NICU, Derrick and Jeanelle were finally able to come home. Today, the twins are coming up on their first birthday and getting stronger every day. Anie and Rick know the significant role that March of Dimes research played in helping Derrick and Jeanelle get this far. As the 2016 Clarion Ambassador Family they will share their story and help raise awareness of premature birth. They hope their story can provide hope for other families and help the March of Dimes to reach the day when all babies are born strong and healthy.
Funds raised by March for Babies help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. Currently, the March of Dimes is investing more than $89 million nationally and nearly $3 million in Pennsylvania in research and programs.
March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, Cigna, United Airlines, and Mission Pharmacal. In Clarion, March for Babies is sponsored by Clarion Hospital’s Healthy Beginning Pediatrics and Women’s Healthcare of Clarion, along with several other local businesses and organizations.
To join in, visit marchforbabies.org, or call 814-319-2423 to sign up as an individual; to start a corporate, family/friends team; or to donate to help babies be born healthy.
