ROUND ROCK, Texas -- The March of Dime's annual March for Babies walk was held in Round Rock on Saturday.
The March of Dimes helps prevent birth defects and infant mortality.
March for Babies was created to help raise awareness for healthier pregnancies.
Despite the poor weather, more than 7,000 adults, children and even man's best friend filled Old Settler's Park.
Deloitte, a company that partners with Dell, is a sponsor March of Dimes.
"I just think it's really neat how everyone shows up together with their kids and their pets and their families, to support the cause. The financial support is important, but also the sort of personal support and involvement is really moving," says Jonathan Trichel of Deloitte.
Premature birth is the No. 1 killer of newborns. Almost 1 million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth, according to the World Health Organization.
An estimated 15 million babies are born too early every year -- before 37 completed weeks of gestation. That is more than 1 in 10 babies.
Many survivors face a lifetime of disability, including learning disabilities and visual and hearing problems.
Three-quarters of them could be saved with current, cost-effective interventions.
Since March of Dimes began its efforts, those rates have steadily declined.
Last year March for Babies raised more than $1 million and they expect the same for 2016.
---
Join the Discussion: