(Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald)

By Betsy Finklea
The March of Dimes Dillon County March for Babies was held Saturday in Dillon.
Prior to the walk, the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office held a bike ride.
Walkers gathered at Dillon High School for a short ceremony before the three-mile walk.
Cynthia Hulon, honorary chair of the March for Babies, made some remarks about the importance of the March of Dimes and the impact of the walk.
“Every day that we can help babies is a wonderful day, and you’ve made today an especially wonderful day,” said Hulon. “The wonder we feel when a baby is born stays with us forever. But too often, it’s replaced with worry and fear. Too many babies are born prematurely, or very sick. Today, we’re all here to join the March of Dimes and put our feet down to sy no more. EVERY baby should be born healthy!”
“Because of your work, more babies are born full term, and fewer babies are being born with birth defects. You help fund research to discover the causes and preventions for premature birth. You support programs that give babies in our community a chance at a healthy future. You make it possible. Thank you!” Hulon continued.
Hulon made reference to the butterfly garden along the walk route and what the colors of each butterfly represent. “Every pink butterfly represents a healthy baby girl, every blue one represents a healthy baby boy, the green one represents an expecting mother, the purple represents a premature baby, the yellow represents a baby with a birth defect and the white ones represent those babies that are no longer here. Together we can make sure that one day, all babies will be born healthy. Our hope that one day, all the butterflies will be pink and blue representing healthy and stronger babies!” said Hulon.
A moment of silence was held for the families who lose babies. The local families who have benefited from the March of Dimes were also recognized.
(Walk Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald and Bike Ride Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald)

[slide]
It was announced that the Dillon County March had raised $26000 to date, $9,000 short of the $35,000 goal. All in attendance were encouraged to continue to fundraise. The sponsors were also thanked for their support.
Community Director Coleen Sweat then made recognitions and presented awards. She recognized Ethel Taylor, a past chair of the event, and Cynthia Hulon, a past chair and this year’s honorary chair. She also recognized the team captains.
The next group recognized was the Circle of Champions. These individuals raised $1,000 or more for the March of Dimes. Recognized were Jennie Turbeville, Joel Hopkins, and Phyllis Walters with McLeod Medical Center, Dillon and Glen Coates, Tim George, and Les Jackson with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
The following awards were presented: Most Improved Team – Dillon High School; Small Business Award – First Bank; First Place School Challenge Award – Lake View High School; Second Place School Challenge Award – Dillon High School; First Place Team – McLeod Medical Center Dillon; Second Place Team – Dillon County Sheriff’s Office; Top Individual Fundraiser – Jennie Turbeville; Spirit Award – Dillon High School JROTC.
After the walk, lunch was enjoyed, and door prizes were given.
“In an average week in South Carolina, 155 babies are born too soon. Premature babies often spend their first weeks in the NICU fighting for life, and often have life long health and developmental consequences. March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes carries out this mission through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives,” according to a March of Dimes press release.
“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 programs, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, to reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, and to increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies,” the release continues.
“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 walking in March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina.”