WHITE PLAINS, New York, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Leading airline, retail and healthcare and thousands of other corporations are supporting the March of Dimes signature fundraiser, March for Babies, because it funds lifesaving research breakthroughs for moms and babies. These new treatments also help prevent premature birth, saving companies millions in healthcare costs.

“I’m honored to lead the 2015 March for Babies and look forward to bringing together United co-workers and customers to help support stronger, healthier babies,” said John Rainey, United Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the 2015 March for Babies National Chairman. “Together we can make a huge impact and raise awareness for the March of Dimes.”

United joins Kmart, the top March for Babies corporate fundraiser, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, Cigna, and Mission Pharmacal, as official national sponsors of March for Babies 2015.

“Our corporate partners understand that promoting healthy pregnancies and healthy babies are a sound investment for companies,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Together, we are working to prevent premature birth, which is the leading cause of death for children worldwide.”

According to the March of Dimes, which commissioned an analysis by Truven Health Analytics, Inc., the average medical cost to an employer for a premature baby was over $54,000 compared to about $4,300 for a healthy baby.

“Childbirth and newborn care are among the most expensive conditions billed to insurers,” added Dr. Howse. “By investing in the prevention of preterm birth, employers can help families of their employees and customers, and rein in health care costs at the same time.”

March for Babies will be held in nearly 700 locations nationwide and involves more than 20,000 companies and 3 million people, including celebrities, sports stars, community leaders and families of babies born prematurely who are involved as volunteers, sponsors and participants.

March for Babies will occur in most communities on April 25 and 26. Companies, families, and individuals can join the event at marchforbabies.org.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.