Health & Fitness
Lt. J. Paul Vance to Lead March for Babies as Grand Marshal
Lt. J. Paul Vance to Lead March for Babies as Grand Marshal Annual March for Babies Scheduled for Sunday, May 5
On Sunday, May 5 at Quassy Amusement Park, hundreds of families and business leaders will join together to March for Babies—the March of Dimes walk honoring babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Funds raised help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
Leading the festivities will be Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police. Vance, the Connecticut Chapter’s 75th Anniversary Ambassador, will lead the walk as Grand Marshal and will walk with his family team, “Gavin’s Wolfpack.” Vance’s grandson, Gavin, was born 15 weeks too soon and is now a healthy six-year old.
“This unique organization has brought together presidents, celebrities, scientists, parents and citizens to ensure that babies get a healthy start, as and a father and grandfather, there is nothing more important,” said Vance. “I am proud to support the March of Dimes and I’m thrilled to help celebrate 75 years of accomplishments for babies.”
Also cutting the start ribbon will be the event’s ambassadors, Holly Werenko and her husband, Daniel Caouette, along with their sons, Keith and Jack. Born two weeks shy of his due date, Jack, who weighed nearly 6 lbs., seemed perfectly healthy. After being home for just one day, Holly knew that Jack was not feeding efficiently and took him to the pediatrician. Jack was severely dehydrated and was sent to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center for treatment. During a two-week stay in the NICU and numerous tests and procedures, Jack was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.
Jack is now a happy five year old that loves music, playing hide and seek, and exploring outside. He attends kindergarten at John Trumbull Primary School.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m. This family friendly event features a bounce house, live DJ, face painting, refreshments, discounted admission passes to Quassy Amusement Park, and more. To register visit marchforbabies.org or marchofdimes.com/ct. All walkers who raise $200 or more will receive an event t-shirt and those raising $350 or more will have the choice of a Macy’s or Kmart gift card.
The March of Dimes celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life. More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.
March for Babies is supported locally by Quassy Amusement Park, Lamar, 102.9 DRC-FM, Kidtivity, and supported by statewide sponsors, NBC Connecticut and Comcast. March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy’s, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
