Bee Healthy
March for Babies

set for April

The March of Dimes will host March for Babies at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 27 at Delaware Park in Buffalo.

Formerly WalkAmerica, the yearly walk is the organization's largest fundraising event.

Dr. Jonathan Daniels, chair of this year's walk, emphasized that the mission priority of the March of Dimes is to fight the growing crisis of prematurity.

"Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death, and we are committed to reducing its toll," he said. "By engaging more people in our mission, and educating more pregnant women and moms about healthy babies, we hope to reach that goal much sooner."

Last year, 500 residents participated, raising $140,000.

In Buffalo, funds raised by March for Babies supports research grants at University at Buffalo, community programs at Women and Children's Hospital and educational conferences for The Mothers-To-Be Health Fair.

Interested walkers and donors can visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free 1-800-525-9255 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.

"We hope many new family teams will be inspired to join us this year with the common goal of helping the March of Dimes improve baby health by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality," said Marlene Buffamonte, Family Team committee member.

"In Buffalo we are proud also to be sponsored by Metropolitan Federal Credit Union and Gibraltar Industries," said Stacey Wawrzyniec, WNY Division director.

For more information about March for Babies or to register, visit marchforbabies.org, call 1-800-525-9255 or get sponsor forms at Kmart or Famous Footwear.

Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society

to hold three events

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which provides information and support for patients battling leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, is offering two support group meetings and an educational conference in the group's effort to educate and treat people.

The support groups for patients with multiple myeloma and leukemia and lymphoma will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday April 10.

The multiple myeloma group will meet at Roswell Park Cancer Institute at Elm and Carlton streets, Buffalo, while the leukemia and lymphoma session will be held at Gilda's Club Western New York, 1140 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

In addition to the support groups, the society is offering a free educational conference titled "New Directions in Myeloma Therapy: An Overview for Patients and Caregivers," from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at Chef's Restaurant, 291 Seneca St., Buffalo.

The program will feature myeloma expert Dr. Asher Chanan-Khan of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Dr. Chanan-Khan will deliver an overview of myeloma and discuss treatment options, the role of clinical trials, symptom management and how to effectively communicate with health care providers.

There will be a complimentary dinner before the event, with a question-and-answer period to follow.

Registration for the dinner is required on or before April 18.

For more information or to register, contact the Western New York & Finger Lakes Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 834-2578, ext. 106 or toll-free at 1-800-784-2368.