The annual March of Dimes March for Babies is taking place on Sunday, May 7 on the Walkway Over The Hudson in Poughkeepsie. The fundraiser is being held to raise funds for the organization’s Prematurity Campaign, which has been battling premature births since 2003.

The Hudson Valley walk is chaired by Lynne Versaci, local resident who has suffered the loss of a child due to prematurity and gave birth and subsequently birthed a preemie daughter who weighed just 3lbs. 3 oz. The event registration begins at 8:30 AM at the Parker Avenue parking lot with the walk stepping off at 10 AM.

Families like Sal and Jill Dipressi who have experienced the loss of a child shortly after birth will join with thousands of others, including Arlington firefighter Eric Philipp and his wife Victoria, who have twins that were born at 32 weeks into the pregnancy and are now approaching the age of six on the Walkway. The event will feature live music, face painting, a variety of food, and dancing for all. According to Versaci “this walk is for the futire of all babies.”

For more information on premature birth rates, visit marchofdimes.org

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