Newtown Family Among 2008

March Of Dimes Ambassadors

The March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter recently announced the Roth family of Newtown will serve as the Ambassador family for the 2008 Candlewood Regional March for Babies event on Sunday, April 27, in Danbury. March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits all babies — those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.

The Roth family understands the importance of the March of Dimes mission.

In September 2003, just ten weeks from her due date and experiencing a normal pregnancy, Dana Roth was home relaxing when she realized she was not feeling the usual kicks from the baby.

Her doctor advised her to go to the hospital to be checked. Quickly it was apparent the baby was in distress and Ms Roth immediately underwent an emergency C-section. Baby Eliza was born weighing just 2 pounds 10 ounces.

“For the next month, she lived in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] and we sat by her isolette everyday,” said Ms Roth. “She was given surfactant, a March of Dimes-funded therapy, to help speed her lung development. Finally, at just 4 pounds, 4 ounces, Eliza was released four weeks later.”

Fourteen months later, Ms Roth was pregnant again and at 37 weeks delivered son Lewis. Expecting a healthy baby, the Roth family again was told their child would have to be in the NICU when Lewis’s lungs were underdeveloped and had pneumonia. He was put on a ventilator for a week and two weeks later was able to go home with his family.

Today, Eliza, 4½ years old, and Lewis, 2½ years old, are happy and healthy. Eliza has participated in four March for Babies events and Lewis has “walked” at two.

As Ambassadors, the Roth family will share their story to help the March of Dimes raise awareness and funds to help all babies get a healthy start by fighting serious threats to infant health, including premature birth.

“The NICU experience is one that you never forget and we’ll keep walking for all of those babies,” said Ms Roth.

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year, including more than 4,200 babies a year in Connecticut. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families.

In Danbury, March for Babies will take place on Sunday, April 27, at the City Center Green. Registration begins at 9 am and March for Babies starts at 10 am. Area residents can sign up today to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at reaching the goal of giving every baby a healthy start.

The Roth family urges walkers and donors to visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.