1/24/2008 10:59:00 PM
March of Dimes begins fundraising campaign by changing 'WalkAmerica' to 'March for Babies'
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| Eddie Pickles holds his grandson, Bryson Chain Chaney, who was born two months prematurely. Bryson is this year’s ‘March for Babies” poster child. |
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| Maureen and Vernon Lloyd present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Pam and Ryan Touchton. |
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The March of Dimes WalkAmerica campaign has been renamed the March for Babies and the event will be April 19 at 8 a.m. in Olustee Park.
The Suwannee Valley unit began its campaign Thursday with a luncheon at Tucker's Fine Dining.
Pam and Ryan Touchton were named volunteers of the year. The Touchtons became active in the March of Dimes after their son, Wayland, had been born prematurely and with developmental problems several years ago. Wayland did not survive. Following this tragedy, the Touchtons had another baby, a healthy girl, Regan.
After the Volunteers of the Year Award, Eddie Pickles talked about his grandson, Bryson Chain Chaney, who was born at 29 weeks. He suffered from apnea and bradycardia and spent 81 days in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit.
At birth, he weighed two pounds and 3 ounces. Now, he weighs 12 pounds and 10 ounces.
As he spoke, Pickles held Bryson, who is now healthy and fifteen months old.
Bryson has been chosen by the Suwannee Valley March of Dimes as the poster child for this year's March for Babies.
Many of the people at the luncheon were community leaders and team captians for the March for Babies.
First Federal Savings Bank was honored for raising the most funds last year, $23,504.
Irv Crowetz, Suwannee Valley board member, said that teams can register online at www.marchforbabies.com, as well as after the luncheon. Last year, the online teams raised more money that traditionally registered teams.
Crowetz also noted that the Suwannee Valley unit raised more money per capita than any other unit in the nation.
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