PICKENS COUNTY — The Clemson community joined together on Nov. 19 at the Tigers for Babies 5k to raise more than $31,000 to help the March of Dimes continue to give every baby a fighting chance.

The streets of Clemson were filled with strollers, families, Clemson University students and teams to celebrate and remember babies. Following the 5k run/walk, participants were able to finish with an Awards Celebration, food and drink, silent auction, photo booth and more at The Esso Club.

Money raised from the event funds research, awareness, education and local community grants. This year’s event increased by $11,000 thanks to all sponsors, teams and participants.

Beth Clements, Clemson University’s First Lady, was the Tigers for Babies’ Honorary Chair.

“Approximately four million babies are born in the United State each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs,” said Clements. “What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and honor families and babies in our community.”

Special guests at the event included the Pinckney family —the 2017 Tigers for Babies Ambassadors.

The Pinckney family knows the important of the mission because of their son, Christopher, who was born 5-weeks early and spent two and a half weeks in the NICU.

According to the March of Dimes, one in nine babies in S.C. are born prematurely.

Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities.

“The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected,” the organization stated.

Donations are still being accepted by calling the March of Dimes at 37 Villa Road, Suite 317 B-123 in Greenville, S.C. 29615 or visiting www.marchforbabies.org.

Contact Katie Peden at kpeden@marchofdimes.org for more information.

The streets of Clemson were filled with strollers, families, Clemson University students and teams to celebrate and remember babies.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_tigerbabies.jpgThe streets of Clemson were filled with strollers, families, Clemson University students and teams to celebrate and remember babies. Courtesy photo

Staff report