FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

For More information, Contact:

Wes Simpson

weswsimpson@yahoo.com

520-981-0703 Cell

Location/Time:  Fountain @ St. Philips Church, Campbell & River Rd., 7am.

UPDATE: Grieving father to bicycle 3,000 miles in 30 days for March of Dimes

Tucson, AZ, October 10^nd, 2008 -- A little more than a week after a grieving father started his quest to bicycle 3,000 miles in 30 days to raise funds and awareness to help fight against pre-term births to benefit the March of Dimes, he’s logged 642 miles despite blistered hands, sunburned and peeling lips, ears, and nose, scrapes and bruises, sore knees and butt, and a multitude of flat tires—but he’s still going…

“I’ve been spending about 6-7 hours a day riding, my goal is to average about 100 miles a day—and I’ve been working up to that—my first couple of rides were 70-90 miles but now I’m up around 100.  I’m tired and sore, but I have a reason to keep going.” Says Simpson.

That reason is that Wes and Penny Simpson, age 38 and 34 respectively, who live in Tucson, recently lost their baby when he was born premature at 24 weeks. Sadly, the baby passed in his parent’s arms shortly after birth due to his early arrival and complications from a congenital lung problem.

“I want to do something to help others so that they don’t have to go thru what Penny and I did.  The March of Dimes has taken on this devastating problem—to find out what causes premature birth and how it can be stopped.” Says Simpson.

Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the U.S. In 2005, the United States as a society paid at least $26.2 billion in economic costs associated with preterm birth (medical and educational expenses, loss in productivity).   Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. In about four out of every 10 cases, the causes are unknown. 

The March of Dimes was established in 1938 by President F.D. Roosevelt, originally to find a cure for polio.  Ever since developing the vaccine, this venerable organization has been funding cutting edge research and innovative programs to save babies from birth defects, premature birth and low birth weight.  Prematurity is the leading killer of America's newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss.

“It’s not about the bike ride—this is about raising awareness and funds for the March of Dimes.” Says Simpson.  “It’s incredibly motivating for me when people recognize me and honk their horns, wave, or stand by their cars and clap and high-five me as I ride by—it helps me keep going.”  Simpson has had several road side donations for his cause and his website www.3000milesforbaby.com is also generating donations.  “I hope more people will donate and also join me for my daily rides—it’s a long way to go by myself—and I could use the help drafting.”

“I’m amazed at the kindness of strangers: one dad called me after reading about me in the paper and said he wanted to help, a few days later he called back and said that he’d arranged to get me a tune-up for my bike courtesy of Fair Wheel Bikes on 6^th at Park.” Say Simpson.  “As a result of all this riding, I’ve been noticing all the road-side memorials (Descansos) and Adopt-a-highway signs in memory of loved ones.  It makes you think about all the people out there that have lost someone and it just makes you want to do more to help.”

Wes will attempt to bicycle 3000 miles in 30 days around Pima County as a means to help raise awareness and funds to benefit the March of Dimes.   “There are so many wonderful organizations out there that need and deserve support.  The work that the March of Dimes is doing is near and dear to our hearts--so I wanted to do something to help.” says Wes.

If you would like more information on how to donate to the March of dimes, read more about the Simpson’s saga, meet-up with Wes for a ride, or simply to post a note of support please visit his website:  www.3000milesforbaby.

For More information, Contact:

Wes Simpson

weswsimpson@yahoo.com

520-981-0703 Cell

http://www.3000milesforbaby.com

Nadine Hanson, Director, Southern Arizona Division

March of Dimes Arizona Chapter

520-298-5490

nhanson@marchofdimes.com