As the Nassau County honorary chairwoman for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, I am also very pleased to be part of the 2nd annual "Working Together...Walking Together" March of Dimes walk taking place at the Nassau University Medical Center.

The purpose of the walk is to raise funds and educate the public about the mission of the March of Dimes. Specifically, the March of Dimes is focused on improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and reducing the incidence of infant mortality.

Last year's walk was very successful, raising close to $30,000 and heightening awareness of the unique problems associated with infant prematurity. This year's goal is to raise $50,000. Half of the money raised will go directly to NUMC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the purchase an oscillatory ventilator. This essential piece of life-saving medical equipment is valuable in treating premature infants. The ventilator is used for the breathing support and treatment of respiratory failure in premature babies. The balance of funds raised will go directly to the March of Dimes to assist in its campaign to reduce the rate of premature births in the community.

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at the NUMC campus in East Meadow. For further information, or to volunteer for this year's walk, call 496-2107 or 572-6279. I am enthusiastic about working together for this worthwhile cause, and I would like to invite town residents to join in the effort.