At WalkAmerica, hundreds in Claiborne County walked together to raise more than $39,000 in support of the March of Dimes efforts to save babies from premature birth. This is an amazing feat considering the budgeted goal was $30,000. The community really banded together made a remarkable $12,882.71 (42 percent) increase over 2005! As the March of Dimes biggest annual fund-raiser, WalkAmerica helps fund the fight against prematurity - a growing crisis that now affects half a million babies born in the U.S. every year.

The number of babies born prematurely each year has increased by 30 percent since 1983. In Claiborne County the average percent of babies born premature was 11.5 (1999-2002). Some of those babies die; others face lifelong disability. The money raised in WalkAmerica supports research and programs to find out how to prevent premature births and how to help families who experience it.

"I am proud that Claiborne County was one of the thousands of communities nationwide that made WalkAmerica a rousing success," said Susan Nunn, WalkAmerica Family Team captain. "I know we can make an enormous difference in the fight to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. With everyone's help we move closer to the day when all babies will be born healthy and full term - and more families will know the joy of having a healthy baby," Nunn said.

In Claiborne County WalkAmerica was an exciting event. Not only did the volunteers exceed their goal, the number of walkers that participated went up as well. There were almost 200 people at this event. Some of the highlights that morning were having the Ambassador Child for Claiborne County, Caleb Nunn and his family there. A special plaque was awarded to Susan, Joe and Caleb Nunn for representing the county so well and for all the WalkAmerica dollars they raised. Another highlight was awards for the participants that raised the most money. The top three teams were Caleb Nunn Family Team followed by First Century Bank and Giles Industries. Top Walker was awarded to Dorsia McVey of First Century Bank, Anna Pearson of Springdale School and Janet Collins of First Century Bank. The top three new teams were Caleb Nunn Family Team, England, and DTR Tennessee. T-shirt contest winners were Caleb Nunn Family Team, Giles Industries and England. Youth Top Walker honors were given to Jeremy Williams, Nicole Oakes, and Seth Williams.

For 2006, National WalkAmerica sponsors were CIGNA, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx and Kmart. Additional national sponsorship is provided by Babyfit.com, Continental Airlines, Discovery Health Channel, First Response, Grain Foods Foundation, Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Outdoor Services. "We're proud here in Claiborne County to also have First Century Bank, Clayton Homes-Rutledge, DTR Tennessee, Giles Industries, Home Federal Bank, Commercial Bank, England and Old Town Market and Pharmacy as sponsors," Nunn said.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.