I'm Walkin' ...

Kind of last minute, I have decided to sign up for the "March for Babies" 10K that's happening here in Salem next Saturday, April 24th. I was invited by one of the Young Women I work with in my ward. She is walking with a group to fulfill her "Good Works" project, and the more I looked into the March of Dimes organization and the cause for which the proceeds go toward, I knew I couldn't turn down this opportunity. In the organization's own words, "the mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality." Also according to the March of Dimes website, all donations "will fund ... research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care."

This cause is close to my heart, not just as a mother who appreciates the miracle of having a healthy baby, but also as someone who was born premature myself. The importance of helping fund research and programs to ensure the birth of healthy babies has hit even closer to home with me over the last couple years as I witnessed a close friend help her infant son through two open-heart surgeries to repair his "mighty" little heart that was in need of medical assistance. Sadly, another close friend of mine just passed the first anniversary of the loss of her infant son who was born with Anencephaly, a fatal birth defect. I realize now more than ever that there is still much to be done to make sure babies are born healthy.

If you are in the Salem area and are up to a 10K (6.2 mile) walk, feel free to join the group that I`ve joined up with, "The Marchin` Moms," on Saturday, April 24, at Bush Park. There is no registration fee, but you are encouraged to raise funds for March of Dimes for your participation. If you`re unable to join the walk or would simply like to donate -- even a little bit helps -- you can make a donation with your credit card, or if you prefer, cash or a check is fine, too.

Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!