NEWS

The March of Dimes Maryland-National Capital Area Chapter announced that Leon Brittain, founder and publisher of “Throttle Life” magazine, will serve as chair for Bikers for Babies DC/Maryland/Virginia. This year, more than 35,000 people will participate in March of Dimes Bikers for Babies rides across the country.

Locally, the 12th Annual Bikers for Babies will take place Saturday, October 3. The event will have three separate start locations, which is a new feature this year to cater to our motorcycle following and raise more awareness of the March of Dimes mission. The Southern Maryland start will be at Atlantic Cycle and Power in White Plains, Maryland. Northern Virginia’s start will be at Coleman Power Sports in Woodbridge, Virginia. The third location will be Glen Burnie Motorsports in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The ride will finish at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The family-friendly after party is provided courtesy of Six Flags America and will include entertainment, a bike show, auction, vendors, a corn hole tournament, moon bounce and more.

“I am honored to serve as the chair for the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies event,” said Leon Brittain, 2015 Bikers for Babies chair. “I have firsthand knowledge of the work that the March of Dimes does given that my daughter Nia was born approximately 12 weeks early and weighed a mere two pounds. The increase in awareness and funding can help to ensure that each baby is born healthy.”

Brittain is a motorcycle enthusiast with over 20 years of riding experience. With his direct experience through the birth of his daughter Nia, Leon and his wife know the importance of the mission of the March of Dimes. Nia is now a healthy and thriving seven-year-old. The Brittain family is serving to spread the importance of the mission of the March of Dimes.

“The involvement of a well-rounded rider and enthusiast in the motorcycle community like Leon is a key element in our goal of increasing awareness of not only our ride, but our mission, which in turn is helping more babies come into the world healthy,” said Jennifer Abell, division director for the March of Dimes in suburban Maryland. “We are fortunate to have someone so dedicated to our cause.”

Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 8,914 in Maryland. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born each year with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.

“Millions of babies have been saved from death or disability thanks to advances made by March of Dimes-funded scientists. Many families have been effected, without even knowing it. But too many babies are still born prematurely or with birth defects,” said Brittain. “Every year, motorcyclists across the country show they care about the health of our babies by taking part in Bikers for Babies – it’s easy to join and fundraise and concludes with a family-friendly activity.”

Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the fun and activities. Individual riders, as well as club members, spectators and families can register online and join to help fund life-saving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Tickets may be purchased online prior to the event.

To register, learn more about the event and its volunteer, vendor and sponsorship opportunities visit www.bikersforbabies.org/dmv or contact Jennifer Abell at the March of Dimes at (571) 257-2310.

Local sponsorship and leadership is provided by: Rider Insurance, Atlantic Cycle and Power, Coleman Power Sports and Six Flags America.