Bikers fight premature births

Augusta - Despite heavy rain, about 100 dedicated motorcyclists turned out on Sunday, June 25, to join the N.J. March of Dimes Ride to raise funds to help fight premature births. Beginning in Pine Brook they traveled 50 miles through Boonton, Kinnelon, Butler, West Milford, Jefferson, Sparta and Sussex, finishing at the N.J. Fairgrounds in Augusta. Together they raised approximately $17,000. “This is my favorite event of the year,” said Jessica Lattanzio of Raritan, who was born three months prematurely and has served as the March of Dimes Ride ambassador for 10 years. Now 13, she suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of her premature birth. “I hope that one day soon we won’t need to have the March of Dimes because all babies will be born healthy,” she declared. All March of Dimes Ride events are certified by the American Motorcycle Association. Official escorts for the March of Dimes N. J. Ride are the Blue Knights Chapter 13. The Ride national sponsor for 2006 is Kawasaki Motor Corporation. Premature birth is a growing crisis that now affects half a million babies in the U. S. each year. The number of babies born prematurely each year has increased by 30 percent since 1983. In New Jersey, over 14,000 are born prematurely each year. Some die; others face lifelong disability. The money raised through Ride supports research and programs to find out how to prevent premature births and how to help families who experience it. The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies. For information, log on to marchofdimes.com.