MIDDLESBORO — Everyday, the March of Dimes takes a stand for babies. The organization stands for those who are born unhealthy. Unfortunately, statistics show that one in seven babies is born too soon and too sick, that’s why the March of Dimes non-profit organization is so important.

The same organization that developed a vaccine for Polio decades ago, now wants every child’s birth to be a healthy one.

“Babies are not counted in numbers, they are counted in wonders,” commented Bo Farmer, Chairman of the Bell County March of Dimes, March for Babies as the Kick-off event began. Farmer continued to address the need for March of Dimes and their necessary research. His greatest examples were living proof — Lyndsey and McKenzie Phipps.

The Phipps twins were prematurely born on Jan. 26, 2008 at Fort Sanders in Knoxville, Tenn. Lyndsey weighed in at just two pounds and her sister McKenzie at three pounds as they were delivered after 30 weeks of gestation.

Their mother, Vickie, spoke to the audience about her risky pregnancy and delivery. Vickie said that she heard so much about the risks of multiple births, the dismal fears of blindness, down syndrome and even death for her babies. Vickie knew she was taking a risk being pregnant at her age, but “nothing can prepare you for the things the doctors explain,” she said.

For nearly eight weeks, Vickie and her husband Leonard tended to their twins in a hospital room. “They know so much more now than they used to,” stated Vickie. “Thanks to the aid of March of Dimes research, my girls have no delays. We’re thankful to them and the good Lord for that.”

Because of the Phipps’ girl accomplishments and the battles they’ve already overcame at just one-year-old, they will serve as the 2009 Ambassadors for the Bell County March of Dimes, March for Babies.

“They are the reasons we were founded,” remarked Farmer. “We are not an inclusive group.”

Middlesboro Mall will host this year’s March of Dimes event on Sunday, April 19. Farmer said that he and his committee were attempting to build a carnival-like atmosphere, complete with inflatables and a number of vendors. They want the community to be occupied with more than just a walk. He encouraged attendants to get excited about their march; “It is our call to action,” Farmer said.

The charity goal for March for Babies 2009 is $28,000. The amount is the same as last year. Farmer said he knows financial times are tough and they are looking to exceed the set amount but want to be logical at the same time.

Several members of the community are getting involved with the march in their own way. The Bell County Holler Crawlers are hosting a Ride for Babies event on April 18, beginning at 10 a.m.; local banks are selling Beanie Babies and several entities are collecting donations for the March of Dimes event.

The March of Dimes, March for Babies will meet every Tuesday until the April walk. For more information or to get involved, contact Farmer at (606) 302- 3023.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.