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Community Corner

South New Jersey March of Dimes Kicks Off March for Babies Fundraiser

On Thursday, February 20, 2014, families and business leaders in South New Jersey joined together to kick off 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.

Gary Catrambone, a long-time volunteer for the March of Dimes, emceed the evening. He announced the South New Jersey 2014 goal of $675,000.  Gary Long, Sr. VP Virtua and Camden County March for Babies chair, Les Vail, President and CEO of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and the Gloucester March for Babies chair, and Christine Mazzola, South Jersey Industries VP of Risk Management and Chair of the South Jersey March of Dimes Division Board of Directors, shared their companies’ commitment to the March of Dimes.

Luke Worrell, the South Jersey Shore March for Babies Ambassador, and his mother Kathy, attended the kickoff event to share why they walk each year. Kathy explained that Luke was born at 24 weeks, weighing 706 grams (1.89 pounds) and 12 inches long. He was put on a vent and at a little over 2 weeks old had a PDA ligation. A few weeks later, he was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia because he was having severe reflux which was making him require large amounts of oxygen and he was at the limit for medications. He needed a Nissen Fundoplication with G-Tube placement and a bi-lateral hernia repair. Finally, after 157 days, he came home on August 6, 2008. Luke had Early Intervention services until he aged out and continued therapies at school. Today Luke is a 5 year old in kindergarten and is a very happy child who brings a smile to everyone that he meets.

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Dave and Stephanie Wagman, the South Jersey Division Ambassador Family, shared their story of why they support the March of Dimes. Seven years ago, Stephanie had a normal pregnancy when suddenly during delivery they lost their daughter Isabella.  A nurse in the hospital connected them with the March of Dimes, who was able to provide them with the support they needed at such a difficult time. Since then, the Wagmans have formed a team each year and walk in March for Babies to honor the memory of their daughter.

“What if the money the March of Dimes raises could prevent genetic disorders, prevent premature birth or prevent another family from the anguish of losing a child?” asked David Wagman. “I look forward to that day.”

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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. To register for a walk in New Jersey, visit marchforbabies.org. 

Funds raised by March for Babies in New Jersey help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, newborn intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. 

Premature birth is the most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today. It affects nearly half a million babies each year, including over 12,000 in New Jersey. This past November, the March of Dimes issued its annual Premature Birth Report Card, giving the nation a “C” and New Jersey the grade “B”. The March of Dimes is committed to funding research to find the answers to problems that continue to threaten the lives and the health of babies.

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