Hundreds Will March for Stronger, Healthier Babies in New Haven

On Sunday, April 28 at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, hundreds of families and business leaders will join together to March for Babies—the March of Dimes walk honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Presented by Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, funds raised help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. 

Helping to lead the festivities will be the 2013 Ambassadors, the Brockett family of Wallingford.  One year-old Michael Brockett was born nearly 13 weeks too soon, weighed just 2 lbs. 11 oz. and spent 77 days receiving specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  He had emergency surgery on the third day of his life to fix a perforation in his intestine, and required a second intestinal surgery before going home.  He also required assistance to aid his breathing, and received surfactant, a therapy developed in part through March of Dimes funding, to help mature his tiny lungs. 

“We feel blessed that we were able to bring our little boy home. March of Dimes has made a tremendous impact on the number of lives that have been saved due to technology, modern medicine, and research.  We hope that we can continue to raise awareness for this great cause that is so dear to our hearts,” said Nicole, Michael’s mom.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m.  This family friendly event features a scenic walk around the park, bounce houses, carousel rides, refreshments, face painting, dance performances, and more.   To register, visit marchforbabies.org or marchofdimes.com/ct.  All walkers who raise $200 or more will receive an event t-shirt and those raising $350 or more will have the choice of a Macy’s or Kmart gift card.   

The March of Dimes celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life.  More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. 

New Haven March for Babies is presented by Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, sponsored by Yale University’s OB/GYN Department, Sargent Manufacturing Company, Clear Channel Radio, Connecticut Parent Magazine, Lamar, and supported by statewide sponsors, NBC Connecticut and Comcast.  March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy’s, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.