This spring, for the fifth consecutive year, the Port Huron campus of Ross Medical Education Center will have the opportunity to participate in the March for Babies Campaign. To help kick off the campaign, Executive Director of the Port Huron Division of the March of Dimes, Cathy Martinek, visited the campus. Cathy delivered a heartwarming message about the benefits the money raised each year brings to the local community. “We want to give all babies the start they deserve,” said Cathy. “The March of Dimes is an independent, non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from other organizations or the federal government, which is why sponsorships such as this are so very important.”
Cathy shared with the students, staff, and faculty that all the funds raised from all events would return to the community. There they will be used to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. She was especially proud to say that in the state of Michigan, 88 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to their mission, beating the national average of approximately 77 cents. After passing out buttons to show support and showing a short video of last year’s walk, Cathy shared stories about families who have experienced premature births. She also spent time listening to the stories of some of the students and faculty who also experienced, first hand, the worrisome moments of premature birth.
The March for Babies event is designed for students, families, friends and their children. The walk is five miles and ends with a big celebration that includes an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, balloon making, a live band, games, and complimentary food and beverages. This year’s event, as in the past, will be held at the campus of St. Clair County Community College. All members of the Ross Medical Education Center team will report inside the Student Center before 9:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 3rd.
You can join the Ross Medical Port Huron walk team or find an event near you at www.marchforbabies.org.