While The Resource Center’s main mission is to support individuals with disabling conditions and their families, a related goal is to reduce the incidence of disabilities. TRC participates in a number of prevention efforts each year in order to lower the number of children born with a disability.

Again this year, The Resource Center proudly stepped forward to support the March of Dimes, which raises money to prevent birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. March for Babies (formerly called WalkAmerica) is the March of Dimes’ biggest fund-raiser each year. The March of Dimes has two March for Babies events in Chautauqua County, and TRC supports each one.

The Resource Center was the Presenting Sponsor of the Jamestown-area March for Babies, which took place April 26. The following day, TRC was a Major Sponsor of the Dunkirk-area March. Hundreds of people participated in these events, which raised tens of thousands of dollars for the March of Dimes.



TRC’s Suzette Smith, left, a Jamestown-area March for Babies committee member, and Debbi Yoakum, right, chair of the event, pose with Jessica Holmes and her baby, Alexa. Jessica, an employee of The Resource Center, gave birth to Alexa 12 weeks early. Alexa spent seven weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, where the care received by newborns has been enhanced through programs funded by the March of Dimes.

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TRC conducts its own event to raise money to support disability-prevention efforts – Laurel Run. The 12th annual Laurel Run will take place July 18 and 19. To learn how you can support this great cause please click here