WHAT: Premature birth is the no. 1 killer of babies and the most urgent infant health problem in the United States.

On Saturday, April 28, more than 10,000 walkers are expected to join together at Mall of America for the March of Dimes® “March for Babies” event.

Premature death affects nearly half a million babies each year in the U.S., including one in ten Minnesota babies.

With a goal to raise over $600,000 for healthy moms and babies to help fight prematurity, the money raised at the event supports local programs and research to help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies, prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The family-friendly event will include a DJ dance party, therapy dog zone, and a giant butterfly memorial structure for families who have experienced loss to add their loved one to the structure.

In addition to the activities, Joe Polo, Olympic Curler Gold Medalist, will be speaking about his family’s experience with premature birth along with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Alastair Moock who will be performing.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.mallofamerica.com/events.



VISUALS: More than 10,000 walkers at Mall of America

Therapy dog zone in the North Atrium

Butterfly memorial structure in the North Atrium

Joe Polo speaking

Alastair Moock performing for kids.



WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2018

7 – 10 a.m.


WHERE: Mall of America – Rotunda and various court spaces throughout the first floor of the Mall.



ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES®

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. The 2018 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, HCA, Cigna, Pampers and regional sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc. In our community, March for Babies is sponsored Advocate Children’s Hospital, Wintrust and Ingalls Memorial Hospital.





ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA®

At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; Hard Rock Café; The Escape Game; CMX Cinemas; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and visit our blog. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.