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SALT LAKE CITY -- Parents, kids and even dogs walked Saturday morning for the Utah March of Dimes.
The purpose of the two-mile walk was to raise money for research that will help ensure mothers everywhere have healthy babies.
The atmosphere was fun and the message was simple -- the rate of premature babies needs to go down.
That's why families, many of whom have premature babies, gathered at This is the Place Heritage Park to raise money for the March of Dimes.
"We were so fortunate to have Taya with us. She was born at 26 weeks, 1 pound, 6 ounces, and she's here because of all the research they do," said marcher Nicole Braithwaite.
We were so fortunate to have Taya with us. She was born at 26 weeks, 1 pound, 6 ounces, and she's here because of all the research they do.
–Nicole Braithwaite.
The March of Dimes has developed medications that help premature babies deal with all sorts of issues, such as breathing. It also helps finance prenatal wellness programs and neonatal intensive care units.
"My father-in-law is a neonatologist, works up at the University of Utah, and works with these types of babies," said Ryan Koelliker. "We've had a child that kinda has benefited from all this, so we're happy to support and be here."
More than half a million babies are born prematurely every year in the United States. In Utah, more than 10 percent of babies are born prematurely.
Families who marched today want those numbers to go down.
"I hope it makes people aware and brings people together and also raises some money that will help the cause," said Koelliker.
