DATE: Thursday, April 17, 1997              TAG: 9704160127

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 02   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: SUFFOLK                           LENGTH:   70 lines

TAKE A LONG WALK TO DO BATTLE FOR THE CHILDRENTHE MARCH OF DIMES ANNUAL WALKAMERICA FUND-RAISER WILL BE APRIL 27 IN SUFFOLK.

A man who could not walk, encouraged others to take long walks.

In 1938, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a polio victim, founded the March of Dimes to help put an end to the disease that crippled him and others, and claimed the lives of so many young people.

Twenty years later, Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine to prevent that disease.

The March of Dimes then took up another challenge - one that still concerns them - conquering the birth defects that cripple and kill our nation's children.

April is the fund-raising month. April 27 is the fund-raising day in Suffolk, the day when people are invited to take a walk for the good cause.

WalkAmerica starts at Constant's Wharf with a 12:30 registration followed by a 5.6 mile trek ``through scenic Suffolk,'' said Carol Harry, a volunteer participant. ``We go through Riverview, Lakeside and downtown.

``The teams have a good time,'' she said. ``There's a lot of fellowship.''

Companies, schools, clubs and civic organizations get together to walk as a team. Individuals join them, as well as families.

They raise money through pledges, last year raising $1,300. More than $350,000 was raised in Hampton Roads.

``In 1997 we hope to raise $370,000,'' said Shawn Huddy, community director. ``That will enable our division to fund programs such as The Hampton Health District Resource Mothers Program, which provides support to pregnant and parenting teens.''

The Greater Hampton Roads Division has participated in March of Dimes WalkAmerica for 27 years. This year, they expect 7,000 walkers from 10 sites.

``In Suffolk there were about 450 participants last year. This year, we expect about 550,'' said Mark Culbertson, co-chairman of the event. ``Between 1992 and 1996 Suffolk walkers raised $180,500. Last year, in Hampton Roads, about $330,000 was brought in.''

As enticements to help raise the money, gifts are given. The more you raise, the more you get, everything from T-shirts and sweatshirts to beach towels, beach bags and beach umbrellas.

After you walk you get fed - hot dogs, chips, and soda donated by area businesses.

And, you get entertainment including music by a disc jockey, and a performance by Virginia Union University cheerleaders.

Two bears will be on hand for family fun - the D.A.R.E Bear and Virginia Power Bear.

``There is no age limit for participants,'' Harry said. ``We have people in their 70s.''

Facts about birth defects emphasize the importance of WalkAmerica.

In Virginia, in 1993, more than one out of every 86 babies died before their first birthday. Nationally, an estimated 150,000 babies are born with birth defects each year, nearly 35,000 of them dying before they are a year old.

The March of Dimes fight is against the risk of disabilities associated with low birth weight, inadequate immunizations, injuries, child abuse and neglect, and poverty.

WalkAmerica funds support programs of research, community service, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

``I work with the March of Dimes because our children are our most valuable assets,'' Harry said. ``We've got to fight birth defects.'' MEMO: Anyone interested in forming a team or walking as an individual

should call 486-1001. ILLUSTRATION: Photos

Carol Harry

Mark Culbertson

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