Today in the U.S., 1 in every 8 babies will be born prematurely. Some of them won't survive, and others will have health problems that could last a lifetime. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives.

Augusta, our own daughter, came 10 weeks early and was 2 pounds, 6 ounces when she was born May 31, 2002. She directly benefited from the important research that the March of Dimes does on behalf of all premature and low birth-weight babies. She spent 8 weeks in the only neonatal intensive care unit in our region at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, Montana. Since that time, Augusta has had wonderful medical care, has overcome an atrial-septal heart defect, has met all her developmental milestones, attended preschool and HeadStart and is now completing kindergarten at Parkside School in Powell. This year's participation in March For Babies is a wonderful birthday treat for our growing-up girl. In the hopes that there will be more success stories like Augusta's, please send your donation for the 2009 March For Babies. It's easy to do, safe and secure to make your online donation. You can also join us at the March in Powell on Saturday morning, June 6, at Washington Park. Come along to cheer Augusta, her family and the other walkers on, or join us in spirit with the help of your donation to the March of Dimes. Thanks for your friendship and continued support.

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.