March For Babies To Benefit Premature Infants

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was an exciting Friday morning at PNC Park.

Dozens of people gathered to help kick off the 2016 Pittsburgh March For Babies.

"It's a chance for folks to get the materials that they need to start their teams and get motivated and excited about what's to come," said Laura Ritz.

The crowd was filled with everyone from community leaders to moms and dads who know first hand just how challenging life can be with a baby born too soon.

Laura and Brian Ritz know the struggles well. Their twins, Easton and Emma were born six weeks early. They spent 35 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The Ritz's are this year's Ambassador Family.

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"They basically saved their life. Without the March of Dimes, my twins would not be here today and many other children around the United States and the world wouldn't be here," Luara said.

Emma and Easton are now healthy five-year-olds.

They're exctied to take part in this year's March For Babies walk on Sunday, April 24 at Heinz Field.

Last year's event had over 4,000 walkers who raised more than $500,000.

In addition to the walk, for runners there's a 5K that will also get started that morning prior to March For Babies. So whether you walk or run, you could really help make a difference.

Money raised by March For Babies helps to support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, NICU family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

More than 380,000 babies are born each year premature.