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Chris and Amber Gooch with baby Austin

By Ramona Evans

For The Paper

The Braselton-Stover House was laden in purple Jan. 19 for the kick-off event that began the March for Babies (MFB) campaign.

Members of the community from Barrow and Jackson counties gathered together to celebrate the life of Austin Gooch, the 2012 March of Dimes Ambassador Baby, as well as to jumpstart what they believe will be a great year for the cause. The event included a silent auction, dinner, a presentation by Austin’s parents and a send-off providing fundraising supplies to the teams who registered.

The catering was donated by Celebrate the Occasion of Lawrenceville and the auction items were provided by the MFB committee members, ensuring that all the proceeds for the event went directly to the cause. Among the supporters were staff and students of Russell Middle School in Winder, where the 3.5-mile march will be held on April 13, and of County Line Elementary.

Michelle Gilreath, of Barrow County and committee member for 12 years, commented that schools are biggest contributors. Specifically, County Line Elementary will be selling T-shirts, designed by one of their own fourth graders, to support the cause. Other contributors include the Publix of Winder, Chico’s, local Community Bank & Trust locations, as well as many more.

Although Austin was the star of the event, constantly sharing his infectious smile, many of the attendees addressed that they had personally been affected by stories of premature births. Andi Smart, Community Director of the North Division MFB, reported that one in six Barrow/Jackson County babies are born prematurely, which is higher than the national average of one in eight. Barbara Gooch, grandmother of Austin and a Jackson EMC employee, said, “Austin is my second grandson that was born premature and I am surprised at how many of my coworkers have had personal experiences with prematurity as well.”

The funds raised will go toward research and advocacy, in the hopes to lessen the rates of premature birth. Committee members agreed, “As we are faced with a growing amount of stories like Austin’s, our focus is to increase the education to the community of what March for Babies does and how the research helps.”

Chris and Amber Gooch, parents of Austin, participated in March for Babies fundraising in high school. They commented, “It is amazing to think that the money we raised in high school may have been put toward research that saved our son.”

Perhaps the bigger message of the event was how the campaign affects everyone.

Co-chairwomen Candy Greene, Wendy Mingus and Patty Shaffer explained, “People tend to associate March for Babies with only prematurity, but that is not the case. It is about the health of all babies. March of Dimes research has provided families with information on the need for folic acid, pre-birth testing, prenatal health and the development of vaccines. It truly affects every baby.”

Chris and Amber were comforted and informed during Austin’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) by pamphlets and similar stories posted on the MFB website.

Chris and Amber are preparing for Austin’s first birthday having already made a practice lion birthday cake. Their NICU nurse posted this above Austin incubator, “I may be small now but I have the heart of a lion.” Austin has proven himself to be a miracle and a fighter, as his parents enjoy his every milestone.

“Because we want to raise awareness, deciding to be the ambassador family was not a hard one, plus we love to show off Austin,” said the Gooches. “We are grateful and touched that all of these people would volunteer because they truly want to. Everyone’s involvement means so much. ”

For more information on how you or your business can contribute or be involved, contact the North Georgia chapter via marchforbabies.org.

WHAT: Barrow-Jackson March for Babies

WHEN: April 13, with registration at 6 p.m.; 7 p.m. march

WHERE: Russell Middle School

84 W. Midland Ave., in Winder

INFO: 770-977-3114 or marchforbabies.org