A Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor,

Each year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born prematurely, and more than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects. The March of Dimes relies on thousands of supporters and companies like Perdue Farms, Inc. to help ensure that all babies are born healthy.

Helping families have healthy babies is what the March of Dimes is all about. As a national organization, the March of Dimes strives to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, community service, education and advocacy all across the United States. You might not know it, but you have been touched by the March of Dimes if:

• You or your baby received a polio vaccine
• You had or know someone whose baby was cared for in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU)
• Your baby was born prematurely and received the advanced care that the organization has researched, funded and supported
• You had a healthy baby due in part to good prenatal care

If you are a parent of one of the 10,000 babies born prematurely in Maryland this year, you and your baby benefited from the work of the March of Dimes. A family whose baby is in the NICU can know that their child will receive specialized care thanks in part to the March of Dimes.

With the support of companies like Perdue Farms, Inc., the March of Dimes is making progress in reducing the rate of premature birth. But there are still too many babies born too soon or sick.

As the 2011 March for Babies Chair, I want to let you know that we need your help. March for Babies — the nation’s premier walking event — is held in 900 communities across the United States and involves more than 7 million people each year. The event is a great way to advance the mission of the March of Dimes and at the same time raise awareness and vital funds.

Please join me and hundreds of other walkers at Salisbury’s March for Babies event held on Sunday, April 17^th at The Salisbury Moose Family Center. Go to www.marchforbabies.org

and join us in walking together for stronger, healthier babies.

Sincerely,

Lorenzo Beach

Perdue Farms, Inc.-Facilities Manager

March of Dimes Board Member