5-year-olds spread message about March for Babies

YOUNGSTOWN — The March of Dimes’ 2008 National Ambassador Child and Lake Milton’s Andrew Bouch Jr., the 2008 Ambassador Child for the Mahoning Valley, are helping raise awareness about MOD’s signature fund-raising event, March for Babies.

Formerly known as WalkAmerica, March for Babies benefits all babies, those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive, said Grace Krontiris, senior director for the March of Dimes, Northeast Ohio Division.

The two child ambassadors were to participate in a news conference at 12:30 p.m. today at the Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion at the DeYor Performing Arts Center on West Federal Plaza.

The national ambassador is 5-year-old Catharine Aboulhouda, of Allentown, Pa., who is accompanied by her parents, Susan and Mike, on a national tour spreading the MOD message.

Born severely premature, 16 weeks early and weighing just 1 pound 10 ounces, Catherine is alive and well today thanks to technological advances developed though research funded in part by the March of Dimes, Krontiris said.

Locally, the Bouch family also understands what it can mean when a baby is not born healthy.

When their son AJ was born six weeks early, no one knew if he would survive. But, he did, and now, (he just turned 5 on Feb. 13), he is a healthy preschooler.

His parents, Angela and Andrew said that March of Dimes research played an important part in helping AJ.

“No parent should have to experience the life-changing consequences that can result from having a baby born too soon,” Angela said. “That’s why we’re honored to have this opportunity to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies.”

Premature birth touches a half-million babies and their families every year, including one in eight babies in Ohio, Krontiris said.

In the coming year, Catharine and her parents will travel the country to help raise awareness of the growing crisis of premature birth, flying on Continental Airlines, the official airline of the National Ambassador Program.

While here, Catharine was to visit several locations in the Mahoning Valley, including Kmart in Boardman, Liberty Tax, Famous Footwear, FedEx and Farmers Insurance. Before the news conference, Catherine will visit the Children’s Museum of the Mahoning Valley on Boardman street in downtown Youngstown and spend some time with AJ and his family.

Local sponsors, The DeBartolo Corporation’s Denise and John York, United Autoworkers Locals 1112 and 1714 at the General Motors complex in Lordstown, and Humility of Mary Health Partners, will be on hand to welcome Catharine.

In the Mahoning Valley, March for Babies will be April 27 in Trumbull County, beginning at noon at Perkins Park in Warren; and May 4 in Mahoning County, beginning at noon at Boardman Park. Funds raised by March for Babies in Mahoning Valley support community grant programs and neonatal intensive care unit support programs, Krontiris said.

The Bouch family urged walkers and donors to visit www.marchforbabies.org or call toll-free (800) 525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy. Money is raised by participants who secure pledges for walking.