Born 15 weeks too soon at 1 lbs. 12 oz. and 1 lb. 10 oz., no one knew if Christine and Camille Sharper would survive. They did after spending three and a half months in a neo-natal intensive care unit they were able to come home. They have scars from numerous IVs and tests which serve as a daily reminder of their early arrival and just how they are a few of the lucky ones. Parents Roderick and Adriane know the important role that March of Dimes research played in helping their twins get this far, so they are grateful for the chance to serve as the 2007 Fayette Ambassador Family. They will share their story to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to fight premature birth – the leading cause of newborn death – and other serious threats to infant health.

Christine and Camille are two of more than half a million babies born too soon each year. Many of these babies die. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability.

“We’ve learned first-hand what premature babies and their families need,” said Roderick and Adriane. “Especially after the long hours spent in the NICU watching our girls fight for their lives. They need love and support from their friends, family and community. Everyone can help by joining the millions of compassionate people across the country that support WalkAmerica every year. “

On Thursday, February 8th, the March of Dimes will host its annual Fayette Kickoff luncheon for WalkAmerica 2007 at the Whitewater Creek Country Club. Adriane Sharper, the twin’s mother, will be on hand, as a guest speaker, to motivate attendees while sharing their family story and pictures. Those attending the luncheon will be eligible for great door prizes and can also be among the first to enter to win a 2 year lease on a brand new 2007 Mini Cooper. The Kickoff luncheon was created to encourage team captain’s and share helpful tips on how to meet and surpass fundraising goals. Fayette WalkAmerica has set a goal of $195,000 for 2007 to help give every baby a healthy start.

In Fayette county WalkAmerica will take place on April 28th, 2007 at Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City. It is sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family. In addition to meeting the Sharpers, you will have the chance to meet local business people and families who care about their community.

“Premature birth has reached epidemic proportions raising 31 percent since 1981,” comments Jennifer Cleland, Marketing Coordinator for Main Street Fayetteville and a member of Fayette’s 2007 WalkAmerica Executive Committee. “We need the community’s support now more than ever as this is a silent crisis that can affect women even if they have done everything right.”

In 2007, National WalkAmerica Sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner who has raised more than $55.5 million to save babies. For more information or to register for WalkAmerica please visit walkamerica.org, or call 1-800-525-WALK.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org for Spanish.

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