The March of Dimes invites families from Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties to join March for Babies as a Family Team. Beaufort March for Babies will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 9 a.m. at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. March for Babies Family Teams are family members and friends who have had a personal experience with a baby born prematurely.

“Family teams are the heart and soul of the March for Babies, and they demonstrate first hand why it is so important to raise awareness and funds to support vital research that will help prevent premature birth” said Jimmy Boozer, 2014 Beaufort March for Babies Chairman. “We hope many new families will join us this year, and together we will take steps for healthier babies in our community and across the state.”

One in every seven babies born in Beaufort County is premature. Premature birth touches nearly 9,000 babies in South Carolina each year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the causes and preventions of premature birth and providing comfort and information to families with a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Families are encouraged to register their team online by visiting marchforbabies.org or by calling 843-571-1776.

March for Babies is the March of Dimes’ premier fundraising event benefiting all babies — those born healthy, as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. Funds raised by this March for Babies event also support research and grants awarded to programs that improve infant and maternal health in South Carolina.

This year’s local sponsors are Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort Pediatrics, Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hargray Communications.

For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.