By Tim Arndt
State Director of Communications and Marketing
March of Dimes

 (February 10, 2014) -  March of Dimes announced that Jarett Andretti, son of John Andretti, has taken on the role of March for Babies Motorsports Champion for 2014 in Indianapolis. Andretti has seen the March of Dimes mission and its impact on families, making his commitment to the good health of moms and babies personal and meaningful.

March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes. Nearly 4 million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through 75 years of research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.

As Motorsports Champion, he will play an integral role in raising awareness and funds to advance the scientific research and educational programs at the core of the March of Dimes effort to find causes and preventions for preterm birth and birth defects and infant mortality.

“Working with the March of Dimes is a real honor. March for Babies gives everyone in our community the chance to work together for stronger, healthier babies and make a difference in the lives of millions of babies,” said Andretti, “When babies are born too soon, too small, and sick, it can be a race against the clock to help them survive and thrive. My twin cousins were born prematurely at 28 weeks, so continued research on premature births is very close to my heart. Thankfully, both twins survived and are healthy to this day. Together with the UAW and March of Dimes we hope to help them win that race and live to enjoy a first birthday.”

Andretti continued, “Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. In Indiana, one in eight babies are born prematurely, and that’s just not acceptable. We need leaders in our community working together to help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.”

“I couldn’t be happier having Jarett Andretti serve as March for Babies Motorsports Champion,” said Judy Swiecicki, Central Indiana Division Executive Director for March of Dimes.

“I am sure that he will bring the same drive, dedication and passion that makes him a rising star on the race track to his efforts on behalf of March for Babies. I know his contribution will go a long way to making this year’s event an unqualified success,” says Swiecicki.

Indianapolis residents can sign up today at marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family and friends. Last year, more than 4,0000 people attended the event in Indianapolis — which will be held this year on May 10th at White River State Park.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.