Shorter Route, Faster Road to Premature Birth Prevention:
March of Dimes Hosts Second Annual
WalkAmerica in Bloomington/Normal

BLOOMINGTON, IL – “March” is indeed a key term associated with the upcoming WalkAmerica fundraiser, which takes place Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 am. Sponsored by the March of Dimes, this event will begin at the Chateau in Bloomington and proceed along Constitution Trail to Airport Road and back. Twenty teams and 120 walkers are expected to march—or walk, stroll, or even jog—for an excellent cause. Proceeds from WalkAmerica will allow the March of Dimes to continue to fund research for and educate the community about premature births as well as support families currently coping with medical costs and emotional issues associated with a premature birth.

Kicking off the walk will be this years’ Healthy Baby Ambassador, three-year old Brock Torrence. Parents Trent and Debbie and sister Hailey will also be on hand to express their appreciation to all participants and to initiate the ribbon cutting.

The number of volunteers signed up to participate in this years’ WalkAmerica has doubled since its local debut in 2003. Lori Christopherson, Bloomington/Normal Community Director, comments, “This walk continues to grow. I have met some wonderful volunteers and look forward to developing WalkAmerica into a major Bloomington/Normal event.”

Of course, WalkAmerica couldn’t take place without a number of charitable people. Chairpersons Teresa Orrick (Dry Wall City), Ursula Tone (Kmart), and Krista Clark (AAA Travel and Insurance) and Sponsorship Chair Peggy Dodson put forth countless hours to plan this event. Over 20 local businesses have donated funds to put up mile markers, which encourage walkers to keep moving for the cause. Kmart, CIGNA, Discovery Health Channel, and Famous Footwear all rank as National Sponsors. And, of course, everyone who takes time to walk the route helps bring WalkAmerica full circle. All of these volunteers and donors keep the March of Dimes’ vision strong. Christopherson elaborates: “Our mission is so poignant when things don’t go as planned with a pregnancy. The March of Dimes is committed to a healthy birth for every family.”

This year is also the second year of the March of Dimes’ Prematurity Campaign. Over the next four years, 75 million dollars will be put towards research, education, and community service to help discover causes of premature birth and infant mortality, create awareness about prevention strategies, and assist families living with prematurely-born children. “Prematurity is the leading cause of infant mortality,” Christopherson explains, “the answers can’t come soon enough for parents and babies that are thrust into that reality.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for WalkAmerica or learning more about the March of Dimes should call the organization’s local office at 309.821.9445. Pledge envelopes can be picked up at Kmart or AAA Insurance. Team leaders may take advantage of Bank Day and drop off their donations at CEFCU on April 23 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at 2323 E. Empire in Bloomington.

About the March of Dimes
Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes first sought to find a cure for polio and later expanded its interests to include the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes is a volunteer agency that continues to research, educate, advocate, and donate time to the community in hopes of increasing awareness and prevention. Of all proceeds raised from March of Dimes events, 60% remains in local communities for education and community service programs and 40% funds national research grants.

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Press release for WalkAmerica 2004