WNBA Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm and March of Dimes Team Up to Fight for Healthy Babies

Published on February 26, 2009 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release


Seattle, WA, February 26, 2009 -- The Seattle Storm has teamed up with the March of Dimes to call attention to the urgent health problems threatening babies and to encourage women of childbearing age to take action.

The alliance was announced today at the March of Dimes March for Babies Kick-off in Bellevue. Karen Bryant, CEO of the Seattle Storm, and Ashley Robinson, Seattle Storm center, have been named the 2009 March for Babies Official Spokeswomen. The Greater Puget Sound March for Babies event will be held Sunday, May 3 at Qwest Field.

"Both Karen and Ashley have experienced first-hand what premature birth is all about," said Larry Burke, Chairman of the March of Dimes Greater Puget Sound Board of Directors. "By sharing their personal stories, they will be offering hope and comfort to tens of thousands of families in Washington who are coping with a premature birth, a baby born with a birth defect or an infant loss. We are fortunate to have them serve in such an important role."

Bryant's daughter was born nine weeks early last April and spent two months in the neonatal intensive care unit at Swedish Medical Center. "The March of Dimes was there when my family needed it through the NICU Family Support program," said Bryant. "It's important for me and the Seattle Storm to score big points for our fans and the community by making them aware of the pregnancy and newborn resources available to help them. The Seattle Storm is excited to be part of this important partnership."

As part of the alliance, the Storm will host a March for Babies celebration game on Friday, June 26 against the Los Angeles Sparks.

"Ashley and I will be inviting our family, friends and all Storm fans to participate in this year's campaign to raise money and awareness for a worthy cause. We look forward to recognizing top fundraisers and celebrating another successful March for Babies at KeyArena on June 26."

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. Last year in Washington state, 9,190 babies were born prematurely and more than 45,000 premature births have occurred since 2004. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth, educating pregnant women about the warning signs of premature labor, funding local programs to help high-risk families, and providing comfort and information to families who are affected.

The 2009 national March for Babies sponsors include Kmart, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, FedEx, First Response, Liberty Tax Services, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Ther-Rx. The major local sponsors are KeyBank, Farmers Insurance and Swedish Medical Center.




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