LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor:

Soon, more than 175 residents from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and surrounding counties will take the walk that saves babies. We'd like to thank them in advance for being heroes for babies! We have 40 teams who have committed to participation in WalkAmerica this year. Our major sponsors include: Commerce Bank, Zimmer Radio/KI03, Southwestern Bell Mobile System, JC Penney, and Golden Products. Many other companies have committed to selling chocolate bars, Hero Beanie Bears, and Sneakers to support their teams walking in WalkAmerica.

The Cape Girardeau County Walk America will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Cape County Park North, Shelter #8. Registration will begin at 9:15 a.m. and the Walk starts at 10 a.m. The location has changed from previous years as have the days' activities. Companies will have the opportunity to have their team pictures made before the walk, then Main Street Fitness will warm everyone up with aerobics to kickoff WalkAmerica 2000. More than just a trek around the park, a fun obstacle course will beset up for those who want more of a challenge. We'll have face-painting, Spacewalk, and music from Zimmer Radio to keep the energy level high.

When volunteers such as these participate in WalkAmerica, they are helping to save innocent babies who are sick through no fault of their own. Every two minutes, a child is born in the U.S. with a birth defect. Every hour, a baby dies from a birth defect. Babies who are born with health problems are vulnerable and defenseless; they need to be protected. That's what we're doing, and what people across the country have been ding in WalkAmerica for 30 years. Raising funds to support lifesaving research and programs. Fighting to make sure every baby gets the chance for a healthy start in life.

Our area (the Southeast Division) has a high rate of infant mortality, 10. 17 per 1,000 births compared to the national average of 8.5 per 1,000 births. The point of the walk, besides raising money, is to raise awareness about birth defects, infant mortality and having healthy babies.

It's important to remember just why the March of Dimes exists. Think about the healthy children that you love, and keep in mind that everyone is not so fortunate to have healthy children. While we may not personally have a child who has a birth defect, we all know someone who has not been so fortunate. That's why I support the March of Dimes.

Nationally, 76 cents of every dollar raised goes toward the research, advocacy, community programs and educational training. Here in Southeast Missouri, we give back 81 cents! Also, of the funds raised by the March of Dimes, over $1.3 million in 1999 was used for research grants at Washington University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. When we have infants who are sick and need to go to a hospital, they end up benefiting from the March of Dimes through research that has been funded.

The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1938. This organization has funded break-throughs which include:

*The polio vaccine, which is received by more than 90 percent) of all babies

*Neonatatal intensive care units to give the best of care to very sick babies

*Fetal surgery to correct birth defects while a baby is still in the womb.

*Newborn tests to detect a birth defecct that if not treated early, can lead to mental retardation

This will be the eighth your for WalkAmerica in Cape Girardeau County. There have been many people involved over the years to make this a successful walk. By supporting the March of Dimes, each and every one of us can make a difference.

I would like to invite everyone in the community to join us Saturday. For information about participating in WalkAmerica or making a donation, contact Susan Davis 573-651-6033 or visit www.innovativeidea.com/modimes.

Bobbie Ann Mason, Zimmer Radio

Honorary Chairperson

WalkAmerica 2000