Elizabeth City March for Babies Event Raises Funds, Unites Community

By: Jamie McAllister

Families whose lives were forever changed due to premature birth and birth defects were joined by school and corporate teams for the 2015 Elizabeth City March for Babies. The fundraiser, held Saturday, May 2, at Waterfront Park in downtown Elizabeth City, North Carolina, raised more than $20,000 to fund life-saving March of Dimes research that will benefit the health of all babies, including those born premature or with birth defects.

Elizabeth City mayor Joseph W. Peel kicked off the day’s program, followed by remarks from Sentara Albemarle executive Steve Clark. Dr. Walter Swan and the Camden County High School U.S. Junior Leadership were on hand to present the flag and lead the national anthem. Close to 200 participants marched through the waterfront neighborhoods. A picnic-style lunch, music, and kids’ activities, including face painting, provided fun for the whole family.

Ambassador families on hand at the event included Young Adult Ambassador Rachel Herring, Birth Defects Awareness Ambassador Kennedy Howard-Wayne, and Prematurity Awareness Ambassadors Spencer Leggett and Micah Garris. Micah was born early at 34 weeks to a very surprised first-time mom, Areba Garris.

“I had no idea I was pregnant,” Areba said. “I hadn’t gained any weight, I didn’t have any common pregnancy symptoms and I was still having my regular monthly cycle.”

When Areba experienced intense abdominal pain in late 2014 she thought she was just having a particularly painful menstrual cycle. When she told one of her friends, who happened to be a nurse, about her symptoms, her friend told her she was most likely pregnant or miscarrying and that she should go to the hospital.

Areba could not believe her ears when the doctor told her she was pregnant. “I was so shocked, I fainted,” Areba said.

Although he arrived six weeks premature, Micah was born healthy at 5 lbs. and 4 oz. While he has no major long-term health conditions, Micah does have asthma.

Areba has supported the March of Dimes for years. Her brother was born premature, weighing only 2 lbs. and 4 oz. He spent four months in the hospital after he was born. Areba, along with her Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters at Elizabeth City State University, had taken part in March for Babies events in the past to raise funds for the organization.

“Having Micah really opened my eyes to what the March of Dimes does,” Areba said. “I had always been a part of their events, but now I am even more involved than before. Being selected as an ambassador family is a different way for us to get involved and raise awareness.”