March of Dimes Celebrates 75th Year

As the March of Dimes celebrates its 75th anniversary, we take a look at the past of the foundation. The foundation was put together by President Franklin Roosevelt after his struggle with polio. Starting as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis in 1938, the foundation was set up in order to research and fight against the crippling disease, polio.

After the mission to ‘lead, direct, and unify’ the fight against polio was accomplished, the foundation changed its focus to birth defects prevention. Considering the slogan used previously, ‘Join the March of Dimes”, the foundation was named the March of Dimes.

So on July 22, 1958 the March of Dimes was started, as did the research for prevention and treatment of birth defects. By the 1970s, the focus on birth defects and infant mortality turned the spotlight on to premature birth and low birthweight to cover all aspects of infant health. With the rate of premature birth rising, in 2003 the March of Dimes launched its Prematurity Campaign.

According to the peristats on marchofdimes.com, in an average week in Montana there are 232 babies born, with 28 being preterm, 17 with low birthweight, and 2 that die before their first birthday. Preterm birth is described as prior to the 37th week of pregnancy, while low birthweight is considered less than five and a half pounds.

March of Dimes has been working to prevent just that, as their mission is ‘to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth.’ The March of Dimes is working to find causes of premature birth, how to intervene, and to educate health professionals. They also work to provide information and support to the public.

One of the ways they get funds for research is through the ‘March for Babies’ fundraising walks which are held throughout the country. The first walk was held in 1970, which was the first fundraiser of its kind for non-profit organizations. Since then the walks have raised two billion dollars to benefit the health of babies. More than 7 million people across the nation walk to support the cause, some walk in memory of a loved one, some walk in honor while some are just walking for the cause.

With 900 walks throughout the nation, there are many chances to help the cause. The ‘Eastern MT March for Babies’ will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park (Central) Sidney, MT on April 13, while the Williston March for Babies will be at Spring Lake Park on May 18. Both events will be a 3 mile walk and will begin at 9 am, in their respective time zones.

For more information, to sign up or to donate to the March for Babies, please go to: http://www.marchforbabies.org. Come join the March of Dimes as they are ‘working together for stronger, healthier babies.’