Community Corner

March of Dimes Walk to be Held at Old School Forest Preserve

The event is slated for April 28.

Thousands across Chicagoland will participate in March for Babies, the annual walk of the March of Dimes, happening in seven area cities on April 28, including Libertyville.

The Marcomb Family of Antioch will represent the March of Dimes as the 2013 Lake County March for Babies Ambassador Family in celebration of their twins, Blake and Kaitlyn. About 1,000 people will gather at Old School Forest Preserve at 8 a.m. for registration. Lake County March for Babies is a 3.1-mile walk that will kick off at 9 a.m.

Frank Wright of 102.3 WXLC FM will emcee. The walk raises money for the prevention of premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

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Last summer, parents Laura and Steve Marcomb gave birth to twins at 32 weeks gestation. Each born at 3 pounds, 10 ounces, Blake and Kaitlyn remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for three weeks before coming home. Today, the twins are happy and healthy and are reaching key milestones.

March for Babies began in 1970 and has raised more than $2 billion to date for research, education, advocacy and community support to help prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. It takes place in about 750 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In its 43rd year, March for Babies is expected to draw more than 20,000 companies and 7 million people across America.

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Each year, nearly 500,000 babies are born too soon. But far too many die, making premature birth the leading cause of death in newborns. In Illinois, 1 in 9 babies are born prematurely every year.

For more information about March for Babies, or to join the Lake County March for Babies, sign up at: marchforbabies.org or call 312-765-9033.

—March of Dimes submitted this information.


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