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March for Babies is the March of Dimes walk honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Funds raised help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
Leading the festivities will be Lorrie and Roman Ozimek of New Canaan, along with their children, Lauren, 15, Elizabeth, 12, Andrew, 10 and Ryan, 5. They will share their family’s prematurity journey, thank walkers for their commitment to the March of Dimes mission to give all babies a healthy start, and lead the walk with their team, “Team Ryan the Miracle.”
In October 2010, Lorrie and Roman were looking forward to the late January birth of their fourth child. But when Lorrie’s hypertension could no longer be controlled, a decision was made to deliver for the health of both mom and baby. On Halloween, at just 28 weeks, Ryan was born at Greenwich Hospital weighing two pounds, seven ounces. He remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for 53 days before coming home just before Christmas.
“We feel honored to support such a wonderful organization that does so much to improve the health and lives of babies and their mothers through amazing research and programs,” said Lorrie.
Each year in Connecticut more than 36,000 babies are born. One in 10 babies are born too soon, and one in seven infant deaths is attributed to a birth defect, and nearly 200 babies die before reaching their first birthday. The mission of the March of Dimes is to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, education, advocacy and community programs.
Families at March for Babies will enjoy activities such as face painting, a bounce house, performances by the Dolan Middle School dance team and onsite music. Food options will include breakfast items and food for purchase from local food trucks, including Crazy Taco Mex.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the event at 10:30 a.m. To register visit their website. Participants can also register on-site.
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