March of Dimes raises money, awareness for preterm babies with annual ‘March for Babies’ walk

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Hundreds gathered at Broadway at the Beach for Saturday’s annual March for Babies walk hosted by March of Dimes.

Raising money and awareness for healthcare for mothers and preterm babies has been the primary focus of the March of Dimes Foundation.

A 2023 report card from the March of Dimes indicates an “F” grade for Horry County in preterm birth rates.

Jessica Shade and her 4-year-old son Paxton participated in the walk, to bring awareness and hope to other preterm families.

“My water broke at 28 weeks, and they rushed us to McLeod in Florence. We laid in the hospital for 4 weeks and at 31 and half weeks Paxton decided to join us,” said Shade.

Paxton spent the next 37 days in the NICU at 3lbs 8oz.

“We walk for him,” said Shade.

Groups and individuals alike gathered to walk for children like Paxton.

“We have teams and individuals that are gonna walk the whole perimeter of Broadway at The Beach for a great cause,” said Mary Hudson, donor development manager.

Hudson said the ambassador family, like most connected to preterm births have a story to share.

“We fight for the health of our moms and babies, and we’re so honored to have met the Johnson family. Little Jerry, who is our ambassador baby this year weighed 1lb. 04oz. He’s now a very thriving one-year-old healthy little boy,” said Hudson.

Preterm births are classified as a birth before 37 weeks.

In 2022, 10% of births in the United States were considered preterm.

“Before I had him, they were saying that they couldn’t find his heart rate that his head was circumference was looking like a challenging size. They said that we would have a lot of complications when he came. But we pushed through it and four years later he’s good to go,” said Shade.

You can visit their website to learn more about March of Dimes and the cause.

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