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NICU graduate families and staff joined 120 teams from across the state last year to raise money for the March of Dimes.
Over the last three years, the NICU Strollers have raised more than $50,000 for March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality.
This year, the NICU Strollers have bigger plans in store.
“We’re taking our effort beyond the NICU and inviting the entire BWH community to join us,” said Paul Hughes, department administrator for Newborn Medicine and a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors. “If we all join hands together, we can make a significant impact.”
Last year, 50 walkers, including NICU graduate families, doctors, nurses and physical therapists, made up the NICU Strollers team, raising $19,000. They were among 120 teams from across the state participating in the event.
The team is striving to surpass last year’s fundraising total. Money raised by the foundation helps fund research, community service, education and patient advocacy. The foundation also connects parents and families with resources to help them manage challenges that come with parenting sick or prematurely born babies.
“Through my work, I have learned first-hand how frequently prematurity occurs and how devastating the short-term, and even life-long, effects of prematurity can be,” Hughes said. “By participating with the March of Dimes, we can begin to make sure that all babies get the same healthy start.”
The March of Dimes granted $87 million for research last year; about $6.5 million of that supports research conducted right here in Massachusetts.
This year’s three-mile walk starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade.
“We’re hopeful that with the help of our entire BWH community we can achieve a greater success,” Hughes said.
To join the BWH NICU Strollers, e-mail Hughes at phughes@partners.org, or stop by an informational table across from the Shop on the Pike April 23 and 24, and May 7 and 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Or join or support the team online at www.marchforbabies.org/553374