For more information, contact Megan ODowd (517) 474-1230 Megan.m.odowd@wmich.

edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From Polio to Prematurity: A History of the March of Dimes PORTAGE, Mich., March 3, 2014 -- In the late thirties polio raged across the country, crippling and killing children in record numbers. Even the nations president was not spared. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was stricken with polio at the age of 39 and was unable to walk without assistance for the rest of his life. FDR established the March of Dimes in 1938 to defeat this horrible disease and fight for the future children.

The general purpose of the new foundation will be to lead, direct, and unify the fight on every phase of this sickness, said FDR It will make every effort to ensure that every responsible research agency in this country is adequately financed to carry on investigations into the cause of infantile paralysis and the methods by which it may be prevented.

The organization consisted of a partnership of scientists and thousands of volunteers helping to raise money to support the research. This unique collaboration proved to be extremely effective because within 20 years a vaccine had been developed by Jonas Salk to put an end to polio.

The March of Dimes is a model of human aspiration and what humans can do when they set their minds to it, says Salk. I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams. MORE

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As cases of Polio rapidly decreased and fear of the disease was put to rest the March of Dimes decided to continue focus on disabilities and disorders appearing in infancy and childhood. Through the years however, the Foundation narrowed the focus tracing the cause of birth defects back to healthy pregnancies and ultimately to the crisis of premature birth.

Prevention is the way to save babies from the death and disability caused by preterm birth, says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. Research is the key that will provide new insights into the many unknown causes of preterm labor, and help doctors recognize the women and babies most at risk.

For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. To learn more about this organization and find out how to help raise funds to prevent premature birth and birth defects go to marchofdimes.com. To contact the March of Dimes, Portage, Michigan Chapter call (269) 343-5586 or stop in at 1930 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49024.

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