MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™


 

West Michigan - Grand Rapids

Raised to date
$156,601
Our goal $200,000
 
Millenium Park
1400 Maynard Ave SW , Walker, MI 49534
Date: Saturday, May 05, 2018 10:30 AM
 
Date: May 05, 2018
Event Time: 10:30 AM
Registration Time: 9:00AM
Location:
1400 Maynard Ave SW , Walker, MI 49534
Millenium Park

Important Update

Our March for Babies celebration is still on, but it looks a little different! We are rapidly preparing for a new, virtualized event that will be fun and engaging for everyone. This change in format aligns with the newly released CDC guidance for large events, to help ensure the safety and health of our participants. More details on our new format to come soon!

 
 
 
 
ABOUT MARCH FOR BABIES

Nearly 4 million babies are born in the U.S. every year, and each one needs us. The money you raise will be a lifeline for moms and babies near you and across the country. Join more than 1500 people at the West Michigan Grand Rapids walk in support of moms at every stage from preconception to post-delivery with research, programs and education—and it all comes together with a celebration at March for Babies on May 5,2018.

 

EXPERIENCE PROGRESS* $156,601 RAISED (As of Thursday, Mar 28, 2024)

Raised: $156,601

 
Top fundraisers
 
1
Michael Zago
$4,572
2
Mackenzie Satkoski
$3,860
3
Valerie Wuori
$2,578
4
Matt Zimmerman
$2,440
5
Amy Nyberg
$2,352
Top family teams
 
1
Team Nikos
$21,625
2
Team Zago
$4,881
3
Team: Sammy's Squad
$4,340
4
Sophia Flores
$4,310
5
BC Babes
$2,799
Company, School & Org
 
1
MARCH OF DIMES - do not use MI CENTRALIZED
$4,563
2
AON CONSULTING
$2,630
3
WEST MICHIGAN BOARD
$2,278
4
HELEN DEVOS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$1,952
5
FARMERS GR GRAND RAPIDS
$1,716
 
 
*The total amount displayed reflects the amount on the team or personal fundraising progress bar. If the progress bar is not displayed on the team or personal page, the team/person won't be displayed on the leaderboard. Leaderboard totals reflect cash and checks marked "received" on the online sponsor form as well as credit card and PayPal donations. Team captains can enter as cash and mark "received" any money raised through promotions, such as bake sales and casual days and any sponsorship money paid to the March of Dimes, on their team's online form. Record all donations on your online sponsor form before you turn in cash and checks to the March of Dimes!
 

Our ambassador

 

 

Sammy Satkoski

In 2016, Mackenzie Satkoski had a smooth labor and delivery of Sammy, a 7lbs 14oz. baby boy. As standard, he was administered the newborn screening heal prick. Mark and Mackenzie vividly remember the nurse saying, "this is for the testing for very rare diseases, you'll never hear from us again." They were excited when they took Sammy home. However, a phone call from the Pediatrician's office days later would change their world. The on-call doctor sounded very nervous and said he was calling to inform them that Sammy tested positive for a very serious and potentially very dangerous genetic disorder Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency called "MCAD" for short. After seven long days, they reported to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital with Sammy for further testing, which included bloodwork and a urinalysis. A few days later Mark and Mackenzie received an emergency phone call that Sammy's lab results were back and in addition to MCAD indicators, other items in his labs were abnormally high which could mean liver and heart failure. In a panic, they headed back to the hospital with Sammy for immediate lab work. This time, they were instructed to stay at the hospital until the results were read in case levels were still abnormal and Sammy needed to be admitted. After waiting for results, they got the news to go home, as it did not appear Sammy's vital organs were in trouble. Sammy's results were very rare and had the doctors scratching their heads. As a result, Sammy had to do more labs, more pokes for bloodwork and a urine sample. In addition to the panels and full urinalysis, they were sending his bloodwork off for full DNA testing which could take weeks or months. Four and half months later, Mark and Mackenzie received another call but with much better news. Sammy did NOT have MCAD. He is likely a carrier of MCAD but was a definitive carrier of an even more serious genetic disorder, MADD Multiple acyl-coA Dehydrogenation Deficiency. Since Sammy is just a carrier he could adjust to a "normal" life. However, later in life Sammy will need to go through genetic counseling with his future spouse. This is to ensure his wife is not also a carrier as the risk of having a child with the disease may be too high. The disorders Sammy carries has only been studied in recent years and only became part of the newborn screening panel less than ten years ago. Mark and Mackenzie are so thankful Sammy received the newborn screening that included testing for these serious genetic disorders. "We will make sure Sammy is aware of his condition and takes advantage of early pregnancy screening or genetic counseling." stated Mackenzie. "We did not know about these genetic disorders and had never taken part of early pregnancy screening or any genetic counseling ourselves." Over the last decade, March of Dimes volunteers have advocated for additional newborn screenings to be added to Michigan newborn panel. Screening for MCAD was added in 2003. Currently, Michigan screens for 56 of diseases and disorders at birth knowing that immediate treatments and interventions can save lives. Through efforts like this more children can lead a healthy life.


Rewards

 
$100
- Early Bird! raise $100 online by Feb 28 and receive a picture frame magnet
$100
- Official March for Babies event t-shirt
$250
- March for Babies fashion tote OR leather journal + event t-shirt
$500
- March for Babies computer backpack OR picnic blanket tote + event t-shirt
$500
- Personalized "Why I Walk" sign displayed on the walk route
$1,000
- Champion for Babies hat + round beach towel OR yoga mat + event t-shirt
$2,500
- Champion for Babies hat + Igloo Cooler OR terri hoodie + event t-shirt
$5,000
- Champion for Babies hat + travel duffel OR insulated jacket + event t-shirt
$10,000
- Champion for Babies hat + sport couch OR Under Armour jacket + event t-shirt
 

 

NATIONAL PARTNERS

Publix Logo Gerber Logo HCA Healthcare Logo

Thank you to our local sponsors

Signature

Gold

Silver

Media