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After two difficult pregnancies, where all three children remaind in NICU after birth, the Dendy Family is courageously sharing their story of premature birth. The Dendy Family has been selected as the 2020 March of Dimes Asheville Area Ambassador. At the same time, business and community leader Dr. Susan Mims of Mission Health has been named Asheville Area March for Babies chair.
“Serving as the ambassador family is a way for us to show our gratitude for March of Dimes and the programs they funded that helped our family,” says Nathalie Dendy. “It’s not fine that each year thousands of moms and babies deal with complications from pregnancy and premature birth. But together we can do something about it. That’s why we March for Babies.”
The Dendy family will share their story throughout the spring at the Asheville Area March for Babies kickoff on February 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Biltmore, as well as at March for Babies on April 25, at McCormick Field.
Dr. Susan Mims, 2020 chair, knows the importance of fighting for the health of all moms and babies. “The U.S. is among the most dangerous developed nations in which to give birth. When you March for Babies, you stand with thousands of people across the country who share your commitment to build a brighter future for us all.”
“By participating in March for Babies, you’re raising critical funds to help tackle the biggest health threats to moms and babies, such as those the Dendy family experienced,” says Olympia Eddy, Senior Development Manager. “We’re excited to have Dr. Mims on board to serve as our local March for Babies chair. She shares our commitment to women through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. March for Babies is a day for everyone to hope, remember and celebrate together at our walks nationwide.”
Two babies die every hour in the U.S. and a woman dies every 12 hours as a result of complications from pregnancy. African American women are four times more likely to die as a result of giving birth or from birth complications. That’s why we March for Babies.
Dr. Susan Mims says she is asking local businesses and community leaders to join her to support March for Babies. “1 in 10 babies in North Carolina is born premature, that is just not acceptable,” she says. “We’re marching to help March of Dimes support lifesaving research, programs and advocacy so that all moms and babies can be healthy.”
Last year in the Asheville Area, March for Babies raised more than $ 60,000, an amount Dr. Susan Mims wants to surpass in 2020. She has made the commitment to raise $75,000 for this year’s campaign.
The March for Babies community raises funds and awareness to fight for healthy moms and strong babies. This year, while we celebrate our collective wins, we’re also marking the 50th anniversary of March for Babies. And just like when we first gathered all those years ago, every March for Babies participant today has the power to make a huge difference for families. In Asheville, March for Babies will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00am at McCormick Field. Register at marchforbabies.org for a specific walk or a virtual walk. Start a team with your company, family or friends. You can also donate directly.
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every mom and baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we’re there for every family—those who had first-hand hardships, those celebrating their health and those just trying to start their families. For more information go to marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org, and visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
2020 March for Babies national partners are RB and HCA Healthcare. Our March for Babies regional partner is Publix Super Markets, Inc. In our community, March for Babies is sponsored by Mission Health, Yokohama and Pepsi.
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