PICKENS COUNTY — Beth Clements, First Lady of Clemson University, will serve as the Honorary Chair for the 2017 Tigers for Babies event in Clemson on Nov. 19 at The Esso Club in Clemson.
“When you participate in March for Babies, you are helping the March of Dimes continue giving every baby a fighting chance.” said Katie Peden. “We are delighted to work with Beth, who will bring her leadership and passion for our mission to this event. Together, we challenge the Clemson community to help us raise critical funds so more babies will have a healthy start in life.”
The most urgent infant health problem in the United States today is premature birth. It is the number one killer of babies worldwide. South Carolina has one of the highest premature birth rates in the country with more than 7,000 babies born too soon each year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have life-long disabilities.
“I am honored to accept this leadership role,” said Clements. “I invite our local businesses and families to come together for Tigers for Babies and show the power of volunteer service and community involvement by helping more families know the joy of having a healthy baby.”
The Tigers for Babies event engages Clemson University students and the community to come together to raise funds and awareness for the March of Dimes mission. On Nov. 19, a 5k run will be held followed by an awards celebration hosted by The Esso Club.
Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community programs. Through these efforts, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.
For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. Find out how you can help raise funds to prevent premature birth and birth defects by registering for March for Babies at marchforbabies.org.
