By Elena Bagarozza
WOODBRIDGE, NJ – Valerie Montecalvo, President and Owner of Bayshore Recycling in Woodbridge, Twp., NJ, is serving as chairwoman for the 2013 Middlesex County March of Dimes March for Babies in the hopes of raising significant funds toward premature birth prevention and research.
Each week in New Jersey, 2,122 babies are born and 254 of these babies are born preterm. Approximately 176 of these newborns are born with low birth weight and 12 of them will not see their first birthday. Hearing these shocking statistics, and being a proud parent of her own two children, Montecalvo knew she needed to help mothers and families welcome strong, healthy children into their lives.
With last year’s Middlesex County March of Dimes raising $426,000 during their annual March for Babies, Montecalvo has made the ambitious, but achievable, commitment of raising $100,000 in new revenue. These funds will be put toward advancing scientific research and education programs to support mothers-to-be, new mothers and their families.
“Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death,” Montecalvo stated. “In New Jersey, one in eight babies is born premature and that’s just not acceptable. It takes leaders in our community to work together to raise funds which support programs that will help ensure moms have healthy pregnancies.”
This year marks the March of Dimes’ 75th anniversary. Over the years, the organization has played an integral role in the regionalization of neonatal intensive care units (NICU), discovery of the importance of folic acid in reducing certain birth defects, newborn screening for core conditions and legislation of the PREEMIE bill to enhance federal support for research—to name a few.
The March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes across the nation, and millions will participate in the approximate four mile walk. This year’s Middlesex County March for Babies is scheduled for Sunday, April 28, 2013, at Johnson Park, Grove 5 in Piscataway, NJ.
“My work with the March of Dimes is a real honor – especially during the Foundation’s milestone 75th anniversary,” Montecalvo said. “The March for Babies program gives everyone in our community the chance to work together for stronger, healthier newborns and make a difference in the lives of millions.”
Montecalvo has already registered the Bayshore team for the walk and you may follow in her lead of creating your own team at www.marchforbabies.org. Not only is this a fun outdoor event, it is a great time to enjoy the good company of fellow co-workers, family members and friends, while also walking for a cause!
“I couldn’t be happier having Valerie Montecalvo serve as this year’s chairperson,” Addy Bonet, State Director for the New Jersey March of Dimes Chapter said. “I am sure Valerie will bring us the same drive, dedication and passion that made her a well-respected member of the community for her efforts on behalf of March for Babies. I know her contribution will go a long way to making this year’s event an unqualified success.”

