WASHINGTON — Nationals Stadium in Southeast D.C. was crowded Sunday morning, not for a ballgame, but for the March for Babies.
March of Dimes, the organization that hosts March for Babies, claims to be “leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies,” according to their website.
The march hoped to shed light on issues regarding premature births and the defects that may follow.
Anne Eder, the Maternal and Child Health Director with the organization, said the day was about creating community and providing education as well.
“It’s an extremely important issue,” she said. “Almost 400,000 babies are born too soon in the US every year.”
Waiting in the crowd to begin the 3-mile walk with her newborn daughter, Tonica Johnson said she came out today for her nephew. She said he was born weighing 1 pound, 12 ounces.
Eder said in the District, one in nine babies are born before their due date.
The walk began at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and has raised at least $500,000 so far.
“It is the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser and we are so thankful that everyone came out today,” said Eder.
