Staff Writer

Jan. 24, 2001 10 PM

Pike County is taking steps to save the lives of babies.

A luncheon was held Wednesday to kickoff WalkAmerica 2001 and plans are to raise $45,000 for the March of Dimes before the walk on March 31.

WalkAmerica is a walk that has been saving babies for 31 years, said walk chairwoman Dianne Smith.

"We’re all here to give babies a chance," Smith said to the team captains who gathered at the Troy State University Arboretum.

"Nobody deserves to fight for breath and life," she said of the tiny babies who, at birth, are sometimes small enough to fit in the palm of an adult’s hand.

Through research funded by the March of Dimes, those tiny babies have a chance to live a full, happy and healthy life.

It it that cause which professional baseball player and Troy native Brian Meadows has dedicated himself.

"I’ve had a great time," Meadows said of his first year raising money for the March of Dimes.

"One of the best things you can do is to help kids," said the man who is going into his eighth year in professional baseball and is known to give to children’s charities.

Of the walk, Meadows said, it’s a "wonderful event" that draws the community together for a common goal.

He said those who get involve are "heros" to the many babies who fight for life and being involved shows the community "you care.

"I can honestly say it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of," Meadows said.

In addition to helping save the lives of babies, WalkAmerica is a time of fun. And, all that fun will begin at 9 a.m., March 31 on the TSU campus when the first person takes that first step.

Anyone who wants to get involved can contact Smith at 566-9575.