EASLEY — Family and corporate teams and individual walkers who will be participating in March for Babies in Easley Saturday.

Hundreds are expected to gather to march for healthier babies and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes. The day’s activities include an opening program at 8:30 a.m. in Old Market Square in downtown Easley, followed by a walk. Following the walk, participants will enjoy food and family-fun activities. Individuals and teams who achieved top fundraising honors will be recognized. The event is chaired by Roddey Gettys, former CEO of Baptist Easley.

In an average week in South Carolina, 169 babies are born too soon. Premature babies often spend their first weeks in the NICU fighting for life, and often have life long health and developmental consequences.

March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

The Morgan family has been touched firsthand by the mission of the March of Dimes. TJ was born at 35 weeks, weighing 6 pounds 5 ounces. He spent 18 days in the NICU.

About the March of Dimes

In 2013, the March of Dimes celebrates its 75th Anniversary and its ongoing work to help babies get a healthy start in life. Early research led to the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines that all babies still receive. Other breakthroughs include new treatments for premature infants and children with birth defects. About four million babies are born each year in the United States, and all have benefitted from March of Dimes lifesaving research and education. For more information visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina or facebook.com/scmarchofdimes