March of Dimes taps local family

The Brandlin family of McHenry has been named the 2008 March of Dimes Ambassador Family.

The Brandlins understand firsthand what it means if a baby is not born healthy. When daughter Brooke was born 15 weeks too soon, and weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces, no one knew if she would survive.

Thankfully, with the help of the March of Dimes, she is a happy and healthy 2ˆ½-year-old today. Parents Joe and Christine know the significant role that March of Dimes research played in Brooke's survival and are grateful for the chance to serve in this role as Ambassador Family.

They will share their story to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to help all babies get a healthy start by fighting serious threats to infant health, including premature birth.

The Brandlin family will be honored by guests at the local Pancake Fundraiser/March for Babies Kickoff from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Moose Lodge in McHenry, 3535 N. Richmond Road.

This event was coordinated by the March of Dimes Family Committee, made up of a group of moms, many of whom have had premature babies, in the hopes of sparing other families in McHenry County from experiencing the same heartache.

The all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be family friendly with activities for children as well as raffles with many prizes including sports tickets and baskets donated by local businesses. Guests can meet the Brandlin family and also learn more about the March of Dimes.

The breakfast is open to the public and costs $6 for adults, $5 for kids, and children ages 3 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year, including one of every eight babies born in McHenry County. 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 answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families.

"No parent should have to experience the life-changing consequences that can result from having a baby born too soon," said Christine Brandlin.

"That's why we're honored to have this opportunity to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies. Everyone can be a champion for baby health by signing up for March for Babies."

March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, is the March of Dimes' premier fundraising event that benefits all babies -- those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.

Locally, March for Babies will take place at 10 a.m. April 27 at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake.

The 5K for Preemies Run also will benefit the March of Dimes and will take place at 9 a.m. at the same location. McHenry County residents can sign up today to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at the goal of giving every baby a healthy start.

In 2007, $2.6 million in scientific research was invested in Illinois to support the March of Dimes efforts to find the causes of premature birth and other health risks that put babies' lives in the balance every day.

The Brandlin family urges walkers and donors to visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free (800) 525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.