Every parent experiences the moment when they worry that their seemingly healthy child’s cold could be the symptom of a serious illness. That frightening scenario came to pass for Jennifer Benning.

Today Jennifer’s son Cody is a healthy toddler. But in July 2009, Jennifer took Cody to see a pediatrician because of a cold and ended up heading for the emergency department. Cody was diagnosed with a rare heart malformation that had led to the deterioration of his vital organs and would require open heart surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital to correct. 

 A large part of Cody’s success is possible because of the research and studies made possible by March of Dimes. It is in celebration of Cody, as well as for thousands of premature and sick babies born each year that the Benning family will walk in the upcoming March of Dimes March for Babies on Saturday, April 28 at the State Capitol. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m, the Pre-March Program is at 8:30 a.m., and March for Babies walkers take off at 9 a.m. 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. March for Babies is locally sponsored by Sutter Health and Health Net. For more information about March for Babies, visit www.marchforbabies.org or call 916.922.1913.