The March of Dimes recently hired Aubrey Martin as the Family Teams Specialist to work out of their Scarborough office. In this newly-created role, Martin will be responsible for assisting teams walking in the statewide March for Babies, which kicks off May 3 in Waterville and Saco. Other events include Portland, Rockland, Lewiston and Bangor.

Martin, who also co-owns The Animal House in Damariscotta, helps families throughout the state as a Family Teams Specialist, but is also specifically focused on the Midcoast region.

“We have so many families who have been touched by the March of Dimes since their inception 76 years ago. Their mission is so important- research, education and advocacy for prenatal care, neonatal intensive care support, even bereavement support for those who have lost babies.  We have one of the best rates of full-term births in the country, in part because of the amount of funding the Maine chapter brings to the state. It is an honor to be a part of this organization”, says Martin.

The mission of March of Dimes is to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and research problems that threaten the health of babies. The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Roosevelt in an effort to eradicate polio. The mission focus was then shifted to premature birth and birth defects. The March of Dimes research breakthroughs have helped save thousands of babies.

The Martin family became involved with the March of Dimes in 2009, after the loss of their son, Garron. Their family team, “Team Garron” has been a top ten Family Team for the March for Babies in Portland, and Martin has used that experience to assist other teams in their fundraising efforts. To reach the March of Dimes for information about the March for Babies or their mission, please call The March of Dimes Maine Chapter: 207-289-2065 or visit their website: www.marchforbabies.org.