Marin Co. Family Named Ambassadors For Local March Of Dimes Walk

NOVATO, CA – Sacha and Emily Cremidis of Novato, who suffered the loss of a newborn and are advocates for healthy moms and babies, were selected as this year's Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes' North Bay March for Babies

Hundreds of families and local leaders will join together on Saturday, May 11 at Howarth Park in Santa Rosa for the 2019 March of Dimes North Bay March, a fundraiser to support the organization's research and education programs.

“We are honored to serve as the 2019 North Bay March for Babies Ambassador Family,” Emily Cremidis said. “Since the loss of my son, I find myself reflecting that there’s beauty even in the most difficult circumstances. When we lost Sebastian, I noticed: there was collateral beauty in the reassurance that Sacha and I were the strongest of teams; that we had the most loving and compassionate community supporting us; and that we had found an organization in which we could honor Sebastian and advocate for healthy moms and babies.

"On May 11th, Sacha, Sebastian’s little brother, and I will walk with our North Bay community in our third march."

When expecting their son, Sebastian Francis, the Cremidis were excited about the pregnancy and then heartbroken when he was stillborn. Every year since, Emily and Sacha march to remember and celebrate Sebastian and to raise money to support the March of Dimes, which, in turn, gives 4 million babies born each year, with nearly half a million born prematurely or with birth defects, the best possible start.

“To this day, I believe that my healing began when I finally read the March of Dimes pamphlets that the nurse gave me. I do not wish this experience for anyone, but the pamphlets made me feel less singled out for misfortune,” Emily said.

North Bay March for Babies' on-site registration begins Saturday, May 11 at 8 a.m. in Howarth Park at 630 Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa, and the family-friendly walk will kick off at 9 a.m.

Before the start of the march, children can take part in the superhero sprint, complete with a purple cape. Pre-registration for the superhero sprint is required; there is no fee.

Walk participants, particularly those who experienced the loss of a baby, can remember by placing a butterfly stake with the child’s name on it in the butterfly garden. Before and after the three-mile march, the "Festival Zone" will feature music, sponsor booths, snacks and refreshments.

North Bay residents can sign up at marchforbabies.org to start a team with co-workers, family or friends, or to make a donation.

“When you March for Babies, you make a statement about the world you want to live in -- one in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority for us all,” said Robert Pinnix, Greater Bay Area March of Dimes Executive Director. “It is a day for everyone. Together we hope for the day when all moms and babies are healthy. We remember those babies we lost. We celebrate every baby.”

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