At a kickoff event for the 35th annual Walk America fundraising campaign, two families shared their personal stories to motivate volunteers. Sue Thompson's grandson Dylan was born prematurely at 2 pounds 2 ounces but has grown to 120 pounds. Hannah Litherland was born prematurely with Down syndrome and required multiple surgeries including open heart surgery. Organizers hope to raise at least $30,000 this year to support the March of Dimes' efforts to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality. The walk will be held on April 24th starting at Vincennes University.

1. 'Walk America' kickoff energizes organizers
Vincennes Sun-Commercial (IN) - February 9, 2005
Author/Byline: JENNIFER EARLES, staff writer
Section: News
Vincennes families walk for someone they love.
At Tuesday's "Walk America" kick off event, two March of Dimes ambassador families shared personal stories with team captains,
volunteers and community leaders in hopes of saving millions of babies from birth defects, prematurely and death.
"If you can put one foot in front of the other," said Rita Ellis, Vincennes "Walk America" co-chair person. "You can help a child who can't
walk."
One Vincennes ambassador family member, Sue Thompson, has volunteered for 10 years with the March of Dimes. Her grandson,
Dylan, 14, was born 2 pounds 2 ounces and three months too early.
"We are so proud of Dylan and so grateful for how far he has come," she said. "At 120 pounds, he doesn't look like a baby now - you will
all be able to meet him on the day of the walk."
Jeffrey and Colleen Litherland were invited to Tuesday's kick off event, along with their daughter, Hannah, 1, who was born Sept. 29,
2003.
Hannah was born prematurely with down's syndrome. Her mother also told listeners of her daughter's many surgeries, including open
heart surgery.
"We choose families like the Litherlands to show what the March of Dimes can do," Ellis said. "Its because of the community support that
they are here today."
Hannah smiled and waved to team captains and "Walk America" volunteers.
"We are so proud to have been chosen as an ambassador family - it has all been so overwhelming," Colleen Litherland said. "This
campaign is so important to families who have dealt with prematurely and birth defects."
The 35th annual event will begin at 1 p.m. April 24 starting at Vincennes University's track. Registration begins at noon and individuals
and teams will walk for about five miles.
Ellis said March of Dimes ambassador families are chosen to represent "Walk America" to show communities how their donations benefit
individuals. "It puts a face with a name," Ellis said. "It brings the issues to a more personal level."
Ellis has volunteered for 15 years with the March of Dimes and participates annually in "Walk America," the organization's biggest
fundraiser.
In 2004, Ellis said 17 Vincennes teams raised about $25,000. She hopes to raise at least $30,000.
This is the March of Dimes second year of a five year, $75 million campaign to fight prematurely and birth defects.
A 1950s theme surrounded this year's kick off event, to celebrate the anniversary of the polio vaccination. The vaccine was created in
April 1955 with the help of the March of Dimes and president Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, the only U.S. president to have polio, supported the campaign encouraging communities to collect dimes and send them to the
White House. This became known as the March of Dimes.
"I can't stress to you how important this vaccine has been and what it has meant to so many families," Thompson said, sporting a poodle
skirt in honor of this year's theme. "I'm not only here to support premature babies, but also because I had a brother and sister who had
polio."
Team captains also found out Tuesday how to sign up for the 2005 event and the best ways to raise money.
John Burt Jr., a Vincennes "Walk America" team captain, also was honored for selling the most red, white and blue car magnets this year
nationwide. So far, Burt has collected $1,026 in support of "Walk America."
This year's "Walk America" event will feature Vincennes performers like Rodney Watts, a local country singer and The Hoosier Cruisers.

2. Knox County Circuit Court Judge Sherry L. Biddinger Gregg also will sing the National Anthem and the American Legion will present the
American flag.
For more information about "Walk America," contact Autumne Baker, March of Dimes community director of the southwest division in
Evansville, at 800-244-9255 or visit www.walkamerica.org.
Record: 10CBA815D5D2B3E3
Copyright: Copyright 2005 Vincennes Sun-Commercial