March to Save Lives
Written By Everett Mckee
The March of Dimes organization. Logo found on the March of Dimes website, http://www.marchofdimes.org
Giving back to the community can come in many forms. One student in particular has turned what could be viewed as a bad situation into a life changing moment. Tawanaka Kaupu, a junior studying in the field of Health and Wellness has been taking an active role in raising awareness and support for this national issue. According to the centers for disease control and prevention, 1 in 9 babies will be born prematurely. The current goal of The March Of Dimes organization, according to their website, is to reduce the United States preterm birth rate to 9.6 percent of all live births by 2020.
Tawanaka has been volunteering with March Of Dimes since her junior year of high school. For those who do not know what March Of Dimes is, “its basically an organization that raises money and awareness for premature babies” stated Kaupu.
Detention, was the word she used to sum up the story of her first involvement. Having to work off a saturday detention during high school, she unknowingly stepped onto an emotional journey that touches much closer to home then she would ever expect. Having been confronted by a very dear friend, whom Kaupu had personal relations for many years with, professed her own story of premature birth and how Kaupu’s involvement meant more than she could express.
Kaupu has continued her involvement through classes she has taken here at UH Hilo, such as her political science class. Admiring her dedication to supporting the fight against premature births Kaupu stated, “Its something I enjoy because it also stems from a personal level. I [feel] like somehow i am giving back, not just to my friend but back to others who have dealt with this issue. This is important because people don’t realize how many births occur in the United States that are at a premature level.”
Video interview filmed and edited by reporter, Everett Mckee.
One of the very first walkathons held by The March Of Dimes organization was in Columbus Ohio in 1970. These walkathons are what helps The March of Dimes organization to raise money for the cause. In 1970, the 500 walkers at Columbus pledged $64,687 to the cause. This year in Hilo, the goal is to raise $32,000. There is still a way to go to meet this goal however, support continues to rise as the time draws closer. The event will be held April 18, 2015 at Wailoa State Park. For more information or to make a pledge please go to the March Of Dimes website, and make a pledge to help future newborns who must fight this problem.
Additional information about premature birth and the March of Dimes organization
