Local organizers are putting together another WalkAmerica March
of Dimes fundraising event set for Sunday afternoon in Callahan
Park.

According to Diane Sickles, division director for the March of
Dimes’ Northwestern Pennsylvania region, the local committee is
comprised of chairperson Barb Kervin from National City Bank, Molly
Kloss from Healthy Beginnings Plus and Cathy Rouff from Bradford
Regional Medical Center.

The trio and their volunteers have organized a local walk event,
with registration set to start at 11 a.m. Sunday.

This year’s theme is “Walk for Someone You Love,” and the goal
is to raise $16,000.

Walkers will start the 3.3-mile trek at 1 p.m., and a “Duck
Regatta” will follow the walk. There will also be children’s
activities, a disc jockey, lunch and more, according to
organizers.

WalkAmerica has been used as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes
since 1970, Sickles said.

All funds “go toward programs of research, education, advocacy
and community grants in the fight against birth defects, premature
births and infant mortality,” according to another March of Dimes
spokesperson.

Teams can come from businesses, schools, organizations, families
or individuals. Those who are directly affected by the March of
Dimes, as well as those who are not, are all welcome to
participate.

Sickles went on to say the March of Dimes has just launched a
large premature birth “awareness campaign.”

“One in eight babies are born prematurely,” she said. “The rate
has risen more than 30 percent since 1981,” and the new campaign is
aimed to find out why and what can be done about it.

The March of Dimes is currently looking for local families who
have had a baby born prematurely, Sickles added. Those interested
in getting involved with the program can contact Emily Fritz at
1-800-433-5210.