Volunteers from all over Madison County raised more than $32,600 for March for Babies, formerly known as WalkAmerica, to benefit all infants — those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.

“I am proud that Madison County residents joined together to support the health of all babies,” said Meredith Contos-Brooks, March of Dimes community director. “The efforts made and money raised by our volunteers this year will help the March of Dimes achieve its goal of ensuring that every baby has a healthy start in life that much sooner.”

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 14.3 percent of all live births in Madison County. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need access to newborn screening and preventive health care.

In Madison County, March for Babies participants enjoyed music, mission information and bracelets, team photos and food. The top team was East Side Middle School, raising more than $6,000.

Funds raised by March for Babies in Madison support Indiana Chapter research, community grant programs, advocacy, NICU family support and education.

In 2008, national March for Babies sponsors were CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx, Grain Foods Foundation, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com and Kmart, the March of Dimes’ No. 1 corporate partner, which has raised more than $63 million for babies. Additional national sponsorship was provided by Discovery Health, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Outdoor Services and Ther-Rx.

Contos-Brooks also credited local sponsorship from Riffey Builders, Community Hospital, Saint John’s Health System, Hoosier Park, Carbide Grinding, Anderson Federation of Teachers, Applewood Centre, Anderson Noon Kiwanis, FedEx, Duke, Dave’s Taste of Chicago, WERK-FM 101.7 and 104.9, WLBC-FM 104.1, WHTI-FM 93.5 and 96.7 (MAX) and WHBU-AM 1240.