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The March of Dimes invites families from Union County to join March for Babies as a Family Team.

The 2012 March for Babies will take place on Oct. 13 at Veterans Park. March for Babies Family Teams are family members and friends who have had a personal experience with a baby born prematurely.

“Family teams are the face of the March of Dimes and bring to life the March of Dimes mission and why it is so important to raise awareness and funds to support vital research that will help prevent premature birth,” said Andrena Powell-Baker, co-chairman of March for Babies and executive director of the Union County Development Board. “We hope many families will join us this year and together we will take steps for healthier babies in our community and across the state.”

Premature birth touches nearly 9,500 babies in South Carolina each year. 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 causes and preventions of premature birth and providing comfort and information to families with a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Families are encouraged to register and start their team online by visiting marchforbabies.org or by calling (864) 551-2649.

March for Babies 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. In Union County, March for Babies will take place at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at Veteran’s Park. Funds raised by this March for Babies event also support research and grants awarded to programs that improve infant and maternal health in South Carolina.

March for Babies is sponsored locally by Broad River Electric Cooperative, City of Union, Gestamp, and Lockhart Power.

The March for Babies is sponsored nationally by corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, CIGNA, Famous Footwear, Sanofi Pasteur, FedEx, Mission Pharmacal Watson Pharmaceuticals, First Response and United Airlines.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina.