March of Dimes 'Walk America' is this Saturday in Tulsa

Thousands of people will meet at Tulsaâ€™s LaFortune Park this Saturday to help save the lives of little ones. <br/><br/>News on 6 anchor Terry Hood is a longtime March of Dimes supporter. She has more

Tuesday, May 4th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Thousands of people will meet at Tulsaâ€™s LaFortune Park this Saturday to help save the lives of little ones.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood is a longtime March of Dimes supporter. She has more information about this yearâ€™s â€˜Walk Americaâ€™ event.

Folks at this year's â€˜Walk Americaâ€™ wonâ€™t have to look far for inspiration. This year's March of Dimes Ambassador is Kelsey Stamper and her story is truly remarkable. Kelsey measured 11 inches and weighed less than 15 ounces when she was born. She was so small, her father's ring fit like a bracelet on her arm. The first few days were touch and go but this little fighter pulled through.

After 89 days in the hospital, her parents were able to take her home. Kelsey is now five years old. She is still small for her age and was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. But her mother, Andrea Stamper, says otherwise she's a healthy, happy little girl.

Andrea says she had no idea how much she owes to the March of Dimes. "The founder of lung refractant therapy which Kelsey and most other preemies receive is March of Dimes. They've played a major role and we didn't know it until recently."

You can help other babies like Kelsey Stamper by participating in this year's â€˜Walk America.â€™ It's this Saturday morning at LaFortune Park. Registration begins at 9 AM and the walk kicks off at 10 AM.

Call the March of Dimes at 742-0333 for more information.