Thursday, May 24, 2012
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Baby Parade! on June 3, 2012
Media Contact: Jennifer West, 414-447-2057
Milwaukee, WI Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is proud to sponsor the Safe Place for Newborns Baby Parade and Walk in 2012, marking the 11th anniversary of the Safe Haven Law in Wisconsin.
The 2-mile walk is held to raise awareness and funds for the Safe Place for Newborns Program, which provides women in crisis a safe place to surrender their babies under the Safe Haven Law.
What: 2012 Safe place for Newborns Baby Parade and Walk
When: Sunday, June 3
8:30 am – Registration
10:00 am – Walk
Where: Greenfield Park, Picnic Area 5, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis
Registration: Call 414-447-3198 or visit www.mybabyparade.com
Cost: $25/Adult
$15/Child 6-15; 5 & Under/Free
Family (2 adults/up to 6 children)/$50
Headquartered at St. Joseph, the Safe Place for Newborns Program was established shortly after enactment of the Safe Haven Law in 2001. The Safe Haven Law allows a parent to safely surrender his or her unharmed newborn up to 72 hours old with any firefighter, police officer, EMT or hospital employee, without fear of prosecution and no questions asked.
“With more than 100 babies saved by this law, we know the program is a success, but we also know there are far too many people who do not know about this lifesaving option,” said Tricia Burkett, the coordinator of the program in Wisconsin. ”Events like this help create the awareness we need to get the word out there.”
Since the law went into effect, more than 100 infant lives have been saved in Wisconsin. Of these, 26 newborns have been safely relinquished at Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus.
Registration for the Baby Parade and Walk is $25 for adults, $10 for children 6 – 15. Children under 5 are free. Families can register for $50.
To register for the walk or to make a contribution, visit www.mybabyparade.com. For more information call 414.447.3198.
For more information on the Safe Haven Law, visit The Safe Place for Newborns website at www.safeplacefornewborns.org.
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