Ready. Set. March for Babies!

On Sunday, April 26, 2015 hundreds of families and business leaders across the tri-county area will join together in the March of Dimes annual March for Babies—the nation’s oldest walk fundraiser honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

Locally, the March for Babies takes place in three locations in the tri-county area – one in each Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Local presenting sponsors include Flagstar Bank, UAW Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler.

Macomb County

Where: Lake St. Clair Metropark , Harrison Twp.

When: Sunday, April 26; registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and walk kicks off at 10:00 a.m.

Executive Chair: Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, Macomb County

Ambassador Family: The Lambert Family, Utica

Lacey and Jimmy Lambert looked forward to starting their family with twin girls on the way. At 32 weeks pregnant, eight weeks early, Lacy delivered twins Lexi and Jocelyn. After spending six weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Lexi was able to go home and today she’s a vibrant 19 month old. However, sadly after 15 days in the NICU, the family had to say goodbye to Jocelyn. Lacey and Jimmy are dedicated to sharing their story and raising funds so that more is learned about the causes and impacts of premature birth.

Many families across metro Detroit have experienced the impact of premature birth, birth defects and infant loss. These families join the Korsak, Compton and Lambert families along with countless other supporters, to march for stronger, healthier babies. They walk to remember the angels they’ve lost and to celebrate their children who are alive today because of lifesaving research funded by the March of Dimes. And they walk to help the March of Dimes fund more critical research, education, and programs.

Participation in March for Babies will provide a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family. Funds raised by March for Babies in Michigan help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, newborn intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. To register for an event in your community, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

The March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization for maternal and infant health, has worked for more than 75 years to help babies get a healthy start in life. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. On an average week in Michigan, 311 infants are born premature and 17 infants die before their 1st birthday.