Every day in Washington, babies are born too soon or too sick. In an average year in this state, 9000 babies are born, 900 are born preterm, 5700 are born low birth weight and 486 die before reaching their first birthday.

Join KIRO 7 Eyewitness News morning anchors Julie Francavilla and Chris Egert and the KIRO 7 Family Connection team at the April 30 March for Babies!

By walking, you’ll give hope that every baby in Washington will have a healthy start. Funds raised through March for Babies support programs and research to help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.

Here are 5 easy steps to March for Babies 1. Sign up now for the April 30 Greater Puget Sound March for Babies . Join a team or start your own in honor of a baby you love.

2. Set your dollar goal at $200. Aim high; many walkers raise $200 to $300 and some more than $1,000.

3. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to walk with you. You’ll raise more money and share a meaningful experience.

4. Ask for donations. Send e-mails asking people to support your walk by making an easy and secure contribution.

5. Lace up your shoes and join us on April 30 in Seattle. With every step you take, you’re helping babies.

2011 March for Babies dates and locations 

March 26 • Windjammer Park • Oak Harbor

April 16 • Ridgetop Jr. High School • Silverdale

April 16 • Liberty Jr. High School • Spanaway

April 30 • Seattle Center • Seattle

April 30 • Point Defiance Park • Tacoma

April 30 • Yakima Greenway, Sarg Hubbard Park • Yakima

May 7 • American Legion Memorial Park • Everett

May 7 • Gonzaga University, Jundt Art Museum • Spokane

May 7 • Olympia High School • Olympia

May 7 • Columbia Park • Kennewick

Sign up for one or more of these events at march now.

The March for Babies is sponsored by KIRO 7 Family Connection and our partners Brotherton Cadillac and Olympic Physical Therapy.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, 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 March of Dimes Washington.