March of Dimes kicks off annual campaign

Every newborn baby is a tiny miracle wrapped in surprises. But the surprises that came with Zachary Stager's birth are hardly the ones any parent would want.

Zachary was born almost four months premature. He weighed only 1 pound, 1 ounce. The first six weeks of his life were the ultimate struggle for survival. But thanks to the March of Dimes and talented doctors at the Health Science Center, Zachary is a healthy 2-year-old.

The March of Dimes supports basic science research and clinical prevention programs promoting the birth of healthy babies. The organization just kicked off its annual fund-raising campaign at the Health Science Center. This year's goal is $25,000. Now through March 29 everyone can help in the fund-raising effort. Each department has a March of Dimes representative who can provide more information about the upcoming fund-raising activities.

Suzanne and Josh Stager dressed their son Zachary as a bumblebee last Halloween. The couple say their son is a healthy miracle, thanks to the March of Dimes and Health Science Center faculty. Zachary is 1 year, 7 months old in the picture. It was taken at the University Hospital PREMIEre party last October.

ACTIVITIES Candy sales — $1 for candy bars and $2 for chocolate covered almonds Spurs ticket sales — $10 a ticket for March 16 game, San Antonio Spurs vs. Boston Celtics Outback luncheon — $10 a ticket for lunch from the Outback Steakhouse — meal catered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 19 in the UTHSC courtyard HealthWalk — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 3 at the UTHSC running track. Registration is free and open to everyone. Participants must fill out a pledge card and include a donation. All funds benefit the March of Dimes. HealthWalk registration is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 in the old bookstore foyer in the Dental School, Room 2.500U. Individual donations also can be made by filling out a donation card available in each UTHSC department.