BOSTON, MA March 11, 2019 — The Massachusetts Market of March of Dimes today announced that business and community leader William Heiden, president and chief executive officer AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been selected to serve as the March for Babies event chair for the upcoming Boston walk on May 11, 2019.
“I’m honored to chair this year’s event and champion the health of all moms and babies,” said William Heiden, AMAG’s president and chief executive officer. “The consequences of preterm birth are a significant public health issue as about one in 10 babies are born too early in the United States. Babies born months and even weeks too early can face hospitalizations and long-term health challenges. We know that a baby’s brain and lungs are still developing during the last few weeks of pregnancy so every day counts. Please join us for the March for Babies and together we can help support March of Dime’s programs that will help to give every baby their best chance for a healthy start.”
“We’re thrilled to have Bill serve as our local March for Babies chair,” says Ed Doherty, Executive Director, March of Dimes New England. “He and his colleagues have shown that they share our commitment to moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Moms and babies are facing higher risks than ever before. March for Babies is a day for everyone to help change that by coming together and participating nationwide.”
March of Dimes gives 4 million babies born each year the best possible start. Nearly half a million of them are born prematurely or with birth defects. Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the U.S. and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years.
Bill is asking local businesses and community leaders to join him in support of March for Babies. “AMAG and its employees are proud sponsors and participants in this annual walk. As chair of this year’s event, I’ve set the goal to raise $80,000 in new donations from individuals, teams and corporate sponsors. This support will help the March of Dimes empower families with programs, knowledge and tools.”
Last year’s March for Babies raised more than $760,000 in Boston and we’re aiming even higher in 2019 with a goal to have the walk raise a total of $800,000. Every March for Babies participant can make a huge difference for families. Those interested in joining the walk in Boston, or a walk near them if they are outside the area, or to join the virtual walk, can register at marchforbabies.org.
The 2018 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, HCA, Cigna and, and regionally by Publix Super Markets, Inc. The Boston March for Babies is sponsored by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, ViaCord, InTouch Group, Premier Ultrasound, Palatin Technologies, Reservoir Communications Group.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
About AMAG
AMAG is a pharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative products to patients with unmet medical needs. The company does this by leveraging its development and commercial expertise to invest in and grow its pharmaceutical products across a range of therapeutic areas, including women’s health. For additional company information, please visit www.amagpharma.com.
