March of Dimes to hold annual walk at Dorney Park

The March of Dimes' annual March for Babies the nation's oldest walk fundraiser honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive will take place April 27 at Dorney Park.

March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes. More than 4 million babies are born in the United States each year and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one of them through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the 2-plus-mile walk kicking off at 10:30 a.m. Participation in the walk will provide a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family, including interactive activities like Zumba and arts and crafts and performances by local talent.

March for Babies is fun for everyone even friendly four-legged family members.

Stroller and wagon decorating and T-shirt design contests are part of the way teams show their spirit.

The day includes entertainment by Freddie Frederick, Jr. face-painting, Radio Disney and more will be part of the excitement. Beloved local mascots like Ferrous, the Y-man from YoFresh, Qbot from QNB, Sunny from the Easton Farmers market and more will mingle with the crowd. To register visit www.marchforbabies.org.

Participating in March for Babies is an important way to support the cause of healthy babies.

Babies who are born too soon or sick usually spend weeks or even months in the hospital and they often have to cope with lifelong health problems or disabilities.

The emotional as well as financial burden prematurity takes on families and their employers is unfathomably high. More than 20,000 companies big and small partner with the March of Dimes through March for Babies to reduce the burden and help improve the health of babies.

This year's Lehigh Valley Ambassadors are the Jacoby and Wagner Families.

Jeffrey and Jillian Jacoby were so excited to become pregnant and looked forward to growing their family.

At 28 and a half weeks, Jillian went into premature labor. She delivered Fritz, 11 and a half weeks early. Fritz was just one pound 14 ounces. He spent 80 days in the neonatal intensive care unit before being released.

He is now 2 years old and loves to play with his brother Charlie, dance and eat. He also really likes spending playtime with the family cats.

Like many expectant parents Cullin and Regina Wagner were excited about starting their family. But then their baby, Riley, was born 13 weeks early, weighing just 1 pound, 4 ounces.

He suffered from respiratory distress, a heart defect, retinopathy of prematurity and a hernia surgery his first 12 weeks fighting for life in the NICU. After 87 days in the NICU, Riley was finally able to come home.

He is now a vibrant 1 year old and loves to go for walks with Mom and Dad and play with his favorite toys.

The Jacoby and Wagner families are dedicated to making sure every parent has the same happy ending.

Funds raised by March for Babies in Pennsylvania help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

Currently, the March of Dimes is investing more than $99 million nationally and $3.6 million in Pennsylvania in research and programs.

To join in, visit marchforbabies.org, or call 610-814-7008 to sign up as an individual; to start a corporate, family/friends team; or to donate to help babies be born healthy.

To volunteer, call the March of Dimes office at 610-814-7000.