Contact: Colleen Roche or Brenda Perez 212 788 2958
The Mayor was joined by Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari; Director of Staten Island Division of the March of Dimes, Frank DeMeo; and 12-year-old Rachel Chernock who was born with spina bifida, a disease that, thanks to research sponsored by the March of Dimes, can now be prevented in 70 percent of cases by adding folic acid to a pregnant woman's diet.
"The March of Dimes Campaign for Healthier Babies gives thousands of babies the chance to come into this world with all the opportunities to which they should be entitled through research, education, community services and advocacy," said Mayor Giuliani. "I thank all New Yorkers, including all the Staten Islanders here today, who have joined this nationwide effort to help end the devastation of infant death and birth defects."
With the participation of all 50 states, WalkAmerica is the largest annual fund-raiser for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. Walkers obtain contributions by asking friends, family members, co-workers and others to pledge an amount for each kilometer walked.
Since its beginning in 1970, WalkAmerica has raised more than $900 million to improve the health of babies. Nationwide, over 13 million people are involved in the event as walkers, sponsors and volunteers.