Editor, The Progress:

The March of Dimes is working tirelessly toward the day when all babies are born healthy.

Although you may not know it, you have been touched by the March of Dimes if …

• You or your baby received a polio vaccine;

• You took folic acid before and during early pregnancy to prevent birth defects;

• You had or know someone who had a premature baby who spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU);

• You had a healthy baby due in part to good prenatal care;

• You have also been touched by the March of Dimes if you’re one of the more than 9,000 families who had a premature baby in South Carolina this year. The March of Dimes provides support and resources to families in the NICU wondering when or if they’ll be able to take their baby home. The March of Dimes is also supporting vital research into the causes and ways to prevent premature birth—which continues to be on the rise in our state and in our country.

The upcoming March for Babies event in our community is one way you can help babies and families. As the Pickens County March for Babies Chairman this year, I urge you to join me and the hundreds of walkers who walk in Pickens County each year to raise much-needed funds. This year’s event will take place on April 24 at Easley High School. I ask businesses in our community to start a company team with your employees.  Families, friends and individuals are also invited to register now at marchofdimes.com/southcarolina. Start raising money now, and attend the event on March for Babies day.

Help us give every baby a healthy start in life! 

Editor’s note: The writer is a financial advisor for Edward Jones and the chairman for the 2010 Pickens County March for Babies.