On behalf of the March of Dimes, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of southern Maryland who joined together to support the health of all babies.

On May 4 at the Solomon’s Island gazebo more than 300 of southern Maryland’s residents joined together to raise more than $69,000 for March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, to benefits all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 9,932 in Maryland. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to e sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.

Again, thank you for joining the March of Dimes to help give every baby a healthy start in life.