March for Babies is a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, supporting their mission to promote full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. Over 900 walks are held throughout the US each year. Yesterday’s Austin walk started at Auditorium Shores, then went across the First Street Bridge, over two blocks on Cesar Chavez, and up Congress Avenue, circling the Texas State Capitol Grounds before following the same path back to the starting line.
According to local TV station KVUE, nearly 7,000 participated in this year’s March for Babies. Texas grocer H-E-B probably had the largest contingent, but there were also many smaller groups walking in honor or memory of a family member. I walked with the Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin team.
Local band Will Taylor and Strings Attached played as the walkers returned to Auditorium Shores. Unlike the local 5K runs, most of the tents were reserved for specific teams so after the walk ended, teams gathered around their own tents for food and beverages.
This annual walk is meant to raise awareness about prematurity- something that affects 1 in 8 babies in the US. We boast one of the highest rates in the world – along with South Africa. This is appalling! Thank you to everyone who walked the walk – we were an imposing force in Austin that day – raising awareness of both the horrible statistic, and yet, also the amazing success stories of those who survive and thrive! One reason for success? All of the breastfeeding moms who feed their own and feed others who lack human milk. Thank you Moms for feeding the nation of preterm infants! Kim Updegrove, Executive Director, Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin http://www.milkbank.org