March of Dimes WalkAmerica, the popular fund-raising event, is taking place on Saturday, April 22 at Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City to help the March of Dimes fight prematurity, a growing crisis that now affects half a million babies born in the U.S. every year. The number of babies born prematurely each year has increased by 30 percent since 1983. In Georgia, 342 babies are born prematurely each week. Premature birth is the leading killer of newborns and a major cause of disabilities.

“We need everyone in Fayette to join WalkAmerica,” said Mark McClanahan, 2006 WalkAmerica Chair. “If we don’t join together to fight premature birth, the problem will continue to get worse. One in eight babies is born too soon so prematurity affects everyone whether it has happened to you, a family member, friend or co-worker. I am walking for the Hoshizaki family supporting all of our employees that have been touched by prematurity,” he added.

WalkAmerica in Fayette will be a fun and exciting day for the whole family. The walk will travel along golf cart paths with a picnic following it provided by Publix Supermarkets. It is a day for the whole family with a DJ and live entertainment as well as children’s activities such as face painting, crafts, clowns and a moonwalk.

The money raised in WalkAmerica supports the research and programs to find out how to prevent premature births and local programs that give hope and help families who experience it.

For more information about WalkAmerica, or to join the event at Shakerag Knoll on Saturday, April 22, visit www.walkamerica.org or call 404-350-9800.

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