Why We March…

One Groups Reason for supporting the March of Dimes, March For Babies

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Akron, Ohio Alumni Chapter (Eta Tau Lambda)

ByThomas A. Tatum  

On Saturday May 10, 2008, the Men of the Akron Alumni Chapter (Eta Tau Lambda) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined nearly 1,700 people in the 2008 March for Babies at Akron’s Lock 3 Park.  This annual event is the local March of Dimes largest fundraiser to provide support and education for families who deal with premature births.  The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital provides outstanding service daily.  It is important for the community to understand that premature birth is an emotional roller coaster for families, economically, financially and emotionally.  Unfortunately, the numbers speak for themselves:  

• In Ohio during 2003-2005 (average), the highest birth rates were to black women (74.1), followed by Asians (69.4), whites (60.9) and Native Americans (40.6).

• Of all live births in Ohio during 2003-2005 (average), 81.8% were white, 15.8% were black, 0.2% were Native American and 2.2% were Asian.

 (Source: www.marchofdimes.com/peristats) 

“Many of our chapter members have had a direct connection with Premature births, including my family,” says Team Captain Thomas A. Tatum.  He continues, “the March of Dimes has been one of our National Partners for over twenty years.  Eta Tau Lambda has worked with promoting Project Alpha, a teen mentorship program and March for Babies (formerly, WalkAmerica.  When my son was born three (3) months early in 2006, the experience galvanized our resolve.”

The Tatum Family has personally seen the benefits from the other side of the fundraising event.  Tatum, his wife, Milistine, and daughter Lauren were blessed to welcome Thomas II (Tre’) in March of 2006.  He was born three months early, weighing two pounds, one ounce. The first 78 days of his life at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were spent at Children’s Hospital Medical Center.  Milistine Tatum spent six weeks in Akron General on bedrest prior to delivery. 

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In a symbolic gesture for the 2006 Walk, Tatum set a fundraising goal of $2,100.00 representing the 2 pounds, 1 ounce of Tre’s birth weight; he carried the same weight in dimes during the walk.  Brother Larry Thomas calculated that Tatum would need approximately 427 dimes.  By the time he was finished, Tatum raised over $3,400. 

“The professional staffs helped my wife and our son with their essential needs. In the 2 years after his birth, Tre’ has some small issues that we are working through, however, you could never tell… he is running and climbing, basically doing everything a rough-and-ready boy should be doing,” Tatum said. 

Tatum also serves as the Fraternity’s March for Babies Coordinator for the District of Ohio and the Midwestern Region.  He also served as the 2008 March for Babies Event Chairman for the Akron Area.   When Tatum asked members of the chapter why they supported this event, here are some of the comments: 

• "As Men it is important that we paved the way and provide for those who are unable to do so for themselves.  As Alpha Men we are charged with this responsibility.  Supporting these efforts are important because if the youth are our future, we must make sure they have the tools today”

Brother Ronald D. Stovall, Associate Executive Director of the Midwestern Region of the Fraternity.  

• “I have two daughters who were both born premature. I have a grandson who was born with the umbilical cord around his neck. The research and standards of training afforded by the monies directed to the March of Dimes is priceless for me.”
  
  Brother Joe Simmons III, ETL Recording Secretary

The members of the Akron Alumni Chapter of Alpha have been one of the leading organizations supporting the local March for Babies.  In 2008, the chapter and its members raised nearly $14,000 to support the local March event.  Overall, the Akron Area March goal is $250,000.  According to preliminary reports, the Akron Area is within reach of its goal.   “Though we increased our local corporate sponsorship, I believe we can do more,” Tatum said. 

The Chapter is known for its commitment to education and scholarship, community service and provides safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing in the Fraternity.   “I am proud that the March of Dimes chose the walk through Park East (in Channelwood Village) as part of the walk route.  We at Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. are extremely proud of the neighborhood that we have been able to provide,” said Samuel D. DeShazior, Chairman of the Alpha Housing Corporation.  The Housing Corporation and the Alpha Foundation of Akron provided additional financial support for the Akron Area March for Babies event.  The Alpha Center hosted March for Babies planning meetings.

According to Chapter member March Ferguson, “March for the babies is in the same realm as what we say in the Fraternity, ‘marching onward and upward toward the light.’ With the fraternal purpose of manly deeds, scholarship and love for all man kind: Our purpose of marching is to help provide a collaborative effort of support to a worthy need, financial support and love for all mankind… And Babies!!!!!!!!!!”

Funds raised by March for Babies in Northeast Ohio support programs like the NICU Family Support Program at Akron Children’s Hospital.  The program helps families in the NICU cope with the stresses of the NICU through activities such as scrap booking, no-sew quilt making, and a mentoring program.  Funds will also go towards the Storks Nest Programs and Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana, Inc. (OCCHA). 

“We would not wish premature birth on any family… it is an emotional, physical and financial roller coaster that can tax the most steadfast faith.  Unfortunately, not all endings are happy.  But we have seen first-hand where the financial and educational support is directed. In my humble opinion the Akron area is blessed to have a strong Hospital system.  I hope when I and the team come to our community once again, they will understand the type of positive impact their participation provides,” said Tatum. “Please join my family in the March for Babies by visit marchforbabies.org or call toll-free (800) 525-9255 to donate to help babies be born healthy.

”The men of Eta Tau Lambda Chapter and its subsidiary’s believe that education in any form is important to provide positive impact in our community.  But it is stories from its members that continue to motivate chapter members 

• I support the March of Dimes for Babies for a very personal reason. My first child, Michael James Williams; was born prematurely on November 27, 1986. My wife was having complications with the pregnancy and an emergency caesarian section was necessary. The Neonatal Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital did everything they could to give my son the precious time he needed for his lungs to sufficiently develop. After surgery was done it was clear that Michael James was not going to survive. The hospital staff had knick-named my son “peanut” because he was so small. When my son passed on January 21, 1987 my wife and I had to console one of the nurses who had become attached to “Mikey”.  I will never forget the care and love Mikey received from the Neonatal Staff. I will also never forget the other parents and children who were receiving care in the unit. There have been so many advances made in neonatal care since 1987. If Mikey were born today he would have a far greater chance of survival with these medical advances. God has a special place in heaven for those persons who work in the neonatal units across the country. Support of the March of Dimes for Babies is critical to giving these gifted and blessed people every tool they need to give every baby they touch; the gift of life.    

Michael D. Williams, Vice President Elect, Eta Tau Lambda Chapter and Akron City Councilman at large 

Chapter President Eufrancia Lash puts the Alpha involvement in perspective, "It is my conviction that we should do everything to ensure that there will be funding for the research to prevent premature births in America. The March for Babies is more than worth my time and energy. This is a very worthwhile cause that I am happy to do every year!"  If one more person can benefit from a pamphlet, brochure or video stressing the importance of Prenatal care, reducing the chances of premature birth, then the Men of Alpha are living their motto, First of All, Servants of All, We shall Transcend All! 

Source involved in this story:

• National Center for Health Statistics, final natality data.Retrieved June 3, 2008, from www.marchofdimes.com/peristats