To ensure all babies have a healthy birth, the March of Dimes was formed in 1970 and holds an annual walking fundraiser which funds lifesaving research to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

Karen Patterson, senior community director of the March of Dimes Northeast New York chapter said this year, WalkAmerica was renamed March for Babies to make a more clear connection to what the March of Dimes organization is all about.

The Saratoga Springs walk raised $100,000. She said about 750 people took part in the walk last year. The starting point is High Rock Park again, Patterson said of this year’s walk.

Patterson said most of the walks take place on April 27, but it isn’t too early to start thinking about donating or participating in the March for Babies.

The Web site is www.marchforbabies.org. Patterson said people interested in participating can get more information and sign up right on the site. She said there are also the most frequently asked questions in having a healthy baby on the site.

Lisa Joy Staulters is a team leader of one of the teams participating in the Saratoga walk. While she doesn’t know someone who has had a premature baby, she raised money and got people to participate to march in last year’s event.

“I’ve had a daycare for the past 11 years and children are close to my heart,” Staulters said. “Children are our future.”

She said this is an event and cause everybody can participate in. She said people can join a team, donate or start their own team.

Companies can also match the total donation raised by teams too, she said.

Staulters is part of Kelleher Realty Inc. and said she personally put down $1,000.

“Being a realtor, I’d like to see every realtor in Saratoga Springs put down at least $25 for the walk,” Staulters said. “That’d be wonderful. This is something we can all come together on.”

Patterson said the Geek Squad from Best Buy will be at this year’s walk to take digital photos of families and companies participating.

Patterson said to kick off the March for Babies, there will be a free informational meeting on Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Gideon Putnam Resort. They asked for people to RSVP for the kickoff by March 3, by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For more information call 453-0474 or visit www.marchforbabies.org.