P.I. volunteers lend helping hands to premature babies

9 Apr 2004 | Lance Cpl. Justin J. Shemanski Marine Corps Training and Education Command

One out of every eight babies is born prematurely in the United States. In an average week more than 100 premature babies are born in South Carolina alone, many of them right here in Beaufort. But with the help of dedicated volunteers and a few donations, one organization in particular and its supporters are trying to put an end to this startling trend.

Navy Federal Credit Union and Naval Hospital Beaufort are teaming up with March of Dimes, a non-profit organization aimed towards researching and preventing premature births, to help promote their cause and to spur more interest in people to volunteer for upcoming events, such as the Walk America fundraiser in Beaufort April 24.

Lieutenant Cmdr. Candace Colston, head of permanent party sick call at the Branch Medical Clinic, and Ann Green Desmori, a medical record technician at the BMC, are both active participants with March of Dimes.

"I knew a little about March of Dimes before I had children of my own . . .but after my first child, who was born prematurely, I was really prompted to get involved," said Colston.

"It's one of the top 100 charities in this country so you really can't go wrong with it. You know they're making a difference," she said.

Some premature babies can weigh less than three pounds; the smallest baby had a recorded weight of 285 grams-barely 10 ounces.

"It really doesn't hit people until they actually see them, actually see how small and fragile a premature baby is," Colston said.

Both of Colston's children were born premature. Her youngest son, Brandon, is 2- and-a-half years old and is an ambassador child for March of Dimes this year.

Green, who is also the command representative for the Tri-Command area, said she is active with March of Dimes because of her love for children.

"It's really a great organization to be a part of," said Green. "You know exactly where your donations are going and you know your helping countless children survive."

Colston and Green are both participating in the Walk America and have participated in many other fundraisers through the BMC.

The money raised goes toward medical equipment, hospital fees for caring for premature babies and also to fund classes to educate soon-to-be mothers on ways they can reduce the chances of premature birth.

According to Heather Gardner, an employee for Navy Federal Credit Union and March of Dimes volunteer, $4,000 has been raised so far this year between the Naval Hospital and Navy Federal.

"Navy Federal has put on many fundraisers for the March of Dimes," Gardner said. "Right now we are selling baby bracelets for a $1 donation which goes toward the Walk America fund."

There are several different ways to contribute to the March of Dimes. Donations are accepted at Navy Federal and the BMC as well as Naval Hospital Beaufort. Upcoming community events include the Walk America event in April and the Chefs Auction of the Low Country May 2.

Sign-up for the walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. the day of the walk and advanced registration can be made at www.marchofdimes.com/southcarolina.

"We've had a great response so far from the Parris Island community, but we could always use more support," she said. "We're all in it for the babies."

More information on making donations or participating in events can be found at www.marchofdimes.com.

Marine Corps Training and Education Command