Sioux City Journal

March for Babies names honorary chairs

Posted: Friday, April 11, 2008

SIOUX CITY -- The March of Dimes Iowa Chapter has announced that Mike and Mary Freeman of Sergeant Bluff will serve as honorary chairs for Siouxland March for Babies.

SIOUX CITY -- The March of Dimes Iowa Chapter has announced that Mike and Mary Freeman of Sergeant Bluff will serve as honorary chairs for Siouxland March for Babies.

Formerly known as WalkAmerica, 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 Sioux City, March for Babies will get under way at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Long Lines Family Rec Center.

Funds raised by March for Babies in Siouxland support prenatal care programs at the Crittenton Center, "Keep Me Safe" program through the Siouxland District Health Department, neonatal intensive care unit parent packs, comprehensive newborn screening tests and numerous other projects for healthy babies.

"I'm proud to be part of a national movement to ensure that every baby has a healthy start in life," said Mike Freeman, Alorica site manager. "Everyone can be a champion for baby health by signing up for March for Babies.

"It's easy to join me," said Freeman. "Just visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 1-800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team or donate to help babies be born healthy."

"Our family has personally benefited from research and provisions made possible by the March of Dimes as have all babies," Freeman stated. "My wife and I are dedicated to helping the March of Dimes further their mission and I am proud to set a great example by getting Alorica involved."

Story Comments

Jim Rhodes wrote on Apr 11, 2008 11:44 PM:

" Get your checkbook out Mark, we will be glad to take your donation. We at the March of Dimes are dedicated to helping every baby be born as healthy as possible through education and research. No money raised by the March of Dimes has ever gone to Planned Parenthood. How do I know? I am the current chairperson of the board of directors of the Siouxland Division of the March of Dimes and for some 2o years I have been the secretary of the board of directors of the Iowa State Chapter of the March of Dimes (both volunteer positions). I see the books, I help decide where the money goes.

I would also like to thank every one like Mark who helps us meet our goals by donating their money and/or time. Every little bit helps. Thanks

Jim Rhodes "

Jim Rhodes wrote on Apr 11, 2008 4:46 PM:

" Well Mark, get out your wallet because the March of Dimes has NEVER given any money to Planned Parenthood. How do I know, well I am currently the chairperson of the board of directors of the Siouxland Division of the Iowa Chapter of the March of Dimes and I have been secretary of the board of directors of the Iowa State Chapter of the March of Dimes for over 20 years. Our mission is to try to insure that every baby has a chance to be born healthy and nurtured through their neo-natal period. We have no policy on abortion or birth control, our focus is elsewhere. The March of Dimes has helped wipe out the dreaded scourge of Polio (Mark is probably too young to remember that), we funded some of the first neo-natal intensive care units in the world, we continue to fight prematurity and birth defects.
So Mark we will gladly take your donation, and we will put it to good use. I also would like to thank all of our supporters and volunteers in the area who have helped make this all possible.

Jim Rhodes "

SM wrote on Apr 11, 2008 3:57 PM:

" To quote you..."So are they saying that if they can't be born healthy they should just be aborted first?" That is a pretty strong statement to claim and very ignorant to tie those words to an organization who works tirelessly to save babies. That is obviously your opinion, but certainly not the truth. I strongly recommend you spend some time researching the March of Dimes and their efforts to save babies lives. "

MB wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Mark where did you get your info? Never has money rasied locally by the March of Dimes been given to planned parenthood. When you make a claim you need to be able to back it up before you post it for the world to see. "

Mark wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Wish I could say this is a good thing, but March of Dimes gives money to Planned Parenthood. So are they saying that if they can't be born healthy they should just be aborted first? I would gladly support March of Dimes if they quit giving money to an organization that does abortions. "