Thousands of people came out to Rentschler Field in East Hartford this morning for the March of Dimes March for Babies.
The annual event is held in locations across the country and raises funds for research to fight premature birth and defects. The East Hartford event raised $400,000.
“Our mission is to give every baby a healthy start we want every baby born full term and healthy and to prevent birth defects, pre mature birth defects and infant mortality,” explained Leigh-Anne Lefurge, Director of Communications for the March of Dimes CT.
For many families, the March for Babies is a chance to pay it forward to an organization that has helped them along the way. The Walder family is an example.
“We’re running today to give back. We have four healthy premies, NICU graduates, and they’re running because they can and we want to help other babies have the same outcome we had,” said Cynthia Walder.
The event is designed for both parents and children to participate. The morning kicked off with a Run for Babies 5K, which includes a children’s Superhero Sprint. Afterward, walkers led by March of Dimes Ambassadors hit the course for the March for Babies.
“We’ve been doing this for 5 years, it means so much to us, but we were like we’re really going to make this year extra special,” said Susan Vassiliou, a March of Dimes Ambassador.
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NBC Connecticut participated with a team of over 60 staff members, who ran, walked and volunteered as partners in a caring community.
Across the nation March for Babies raises close to $100 million each year. For more information visit the March of Dimes website here
