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TO CONGRATULATE MARCH OF DIMES UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE ORGANIZATION FOR ITS DEDICATED SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to recognize and honor March of Dimes, as the organization celebrates this significant milestone in its history; and
Whereas, March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For eighty years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs; and
Whereas, March of Dimes was originally founded as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who struggled with polio. Early efforts centered on finding a cure for the disease, and through the work of countless medical researchers and energetic staffers nationwide to develop a vaccine, mobilize volunteers, and raise funds, the polio epidemic in the United States swiftly abated; and
Whereas, following this success, the foundation sought to become a "flexible force" in the field of public health, with a continued focus on disabilities and disorders appearing in infancy and childhood. March of Dimes changed its mission to focus on fighting birth defects, premature birth, and infant death, with innovations like newborn screenings and surfactant therapy; education for medical professionals and the public about best practices; and lifesaving research. Throughout these efforts, March of Dimes has provided comfort and support to families in NICUs and has consistently advocated for moms and babies; and
Whereas, the original March of Dimes fundraising efforts featured successful radio campaigns. In 1970, March of Dimes chapters began to hold local "walk-a-thons" as community fundraisers, which eventually expanded to WalkAmerica, the national volunteer effort that was renamed March for Babies in 2008; and
Whereas, the success of March of Dimes remains vital. Each year in the United States, more than 380,000 babies, or one baby every two seconds, are born preterm, and the rate of premature birth has risen steadily for the past thirty years. March of Dimes remains committed to helping level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socioeconomic background, or demographic; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the unfailing commitment that the March of Dimes organization has shown in serving the women and children of the State of South Carolina and the United States of America. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate March of Dimes upon the occasion of its eightieth anniversary and recognize the organization for its dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the State of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to March of Dimes.
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