 Great News!We are thrilled to announce the U.S. preterm birth rate has slipped to under 12 percent for the first time in nearly a decade! This marks four consecutive years of declines — potentially sparing tens of thousands of babies the serious health consequences of an early birth. These declines are a testament to the hard work of researchers, health care professionals, and March for Babies participants like you. Your fundraising supports programs that will further reduce rates of preterm birth around the world. We can't wait to see you at March for Babies this spring where we will celebrate both your efforts and the progress we have seen in the fight against preterm birth! Your commitment allows us to continue our work towards the day when all babies will have a healthy start in life. Why are you walking?  The Torquatos are walking for their son Tyler, who was born at 34 weeks gestation. Today, thanks in part to medical advances funded by the March of Dimes, Tyler is a healthy toddler. Visit our Facebook page and tell us why you are walking.Help Babies and Win a Vacation! All California walkers who raise $1,000 will be entered into a drawing to win two roundtrip United Airlines tickets good for use anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico or Central America. For every $250 you raise thereafter, you will get another entry into the drawing. All March for Babies online donations, checks and cash must be received by March of Dimes before May 31, 2012. The drawing will be held on June 5th the winner will be contacted by March of Dimes. Details can be found at marchofdimes.com/ca. The winner's name will be posted here by June 30, 2012.  Groundbreaking Research Here in California The money you raise for March for Babies funds groundbreaking programs of research, education and advocacy. March of Dimes has invested more than $91 million to fund researchers who are working to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. California receives more March of Dimes research grant funding than any other state — currently 63 research grants totaling more than $12 million. We are supporting scientists at California's most prestigious research centers, including the California Institute of Technology, The Salk Institute, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, UC San Francisco and USC. These researchers are working tirelessly on projects in the areas of premature birth, spine and brain development, congenital heart defects, autism, birth defects and other threats to newborn health.  | |||
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