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The NICU Strollers are rolling this month to raise money for the March of Dimes at the annual March for Babies on April 27. The BWH team has grown in the number of walkers and fund-raising totals in its first two years, and this year, the Strollers are looking to keep that momentum going.
Last year, with about 50 walkers, the BWH NICU Strollers raised $21,800, making BWH the third most successful fund-raising group in the state. The team’s sights are set even higher this year, said Paul Hughes, department administrator for Newborn Medicine and a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors.
“We’re recruiting more team captains this year, and word is spreading that it’s a real fun way to give back to the March of Dimes,” Hughes said. “The mission of the March of Dimes and BWH’s NICU are so closely aligned, this walk is a perfect match.”
The March for Babies, formerly Walk America, has become one of the March of Dimes’ most successful fund-raising events of the year. The money advances the organization’s goals of raising awareness to improve the health of babies by prevention of birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. The foundation funds research, community services, education and patient advocacy.
It connects parents and families with resources to help them manage challenges that come with parenting sick or prematurely born babies. It was the NICU Parent Advisory Group that got Hughes involved in the effort, and now BWH is inviting NICU alumni families from the last four years to the event for a reunion.
“Our parents tell us that when their baby is in the NICU, they have physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists and nutritionists to support them, but after discharge, they can feel pretty isolated. The March of Dimes links these families to community agencies,” said Hughes. “It makes sense for BWH to help and support of the organization.”
This year’s walks steps off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, from the DCR Hatch Shell at the Charles River Esplanade. Participants can walk one, three or six miles along the Charles River. The theme is “A path toward a miracle is paved with many footsteps.”
“This started off as a very NICU-centric event, but the entire BWH family is devoted to the health of our babies,” Hughes said. “If you join a team, donate or recruit others to do so, you’re helping this great cause.”
To join the BWH NICU Strollers, contact Paul Hughes at phughes@partners.org
Or you can sign up to join a team or donate directly at www.marchforbabies.org