WAILUA — One pound, 7.6 ounces was Zalyah’s weight at birth, her grandma, Lori Cadawas, said Saturday. On April 27, 2005, Zalyah Cadawas-Kaui entered our world premature at 25 weeks. What followed was a two-and-a-half month stay at the Kapiolani
WAILUA — One pound, 7.6 ounces was Zalyah’s weight at birth, her grandma, Lori Cadawas, said Saturday.
On April 27, 2005, Zalyah Cadawas-Kaui entered our world premature at 25 weeks.
What followed was a two-and-a-half month stay at the Kapiolani Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, and on Saturday, Zalyah was part of the close to 300 people who took the fight on premature birth and infant child defects to the shores of Lydgate Park.
Formerly known as WalkAmerica, this year’s March of Dimes event sported a new name — March for Babies, and according to Kaua‘i March of Dimes Board member Cathy Agoot, is the first time the event is actually being held in March.
But the need for more work and support for premature babies was brought home because Zalyah, this year’s March of Dimes ambassador, was at the event with her grandmother, relatives and friends.
Her parents couldn’t be with her as Zalyah has a brother, Zaeden who was born on Oct. 23, 2007, also premature.
Cadawas said, “Zaeden weighed in at two pounds, 14.4 ounces, and measured just 16 inches long.
He is still in the neonatal intensive care unit at Kapiolani where he has been for the past five months.”
While the Cadawas-Kaui children were in the neonatal intensive care unit, the family received support services from the March of Dimes and the Ronald McDonald House along with the Easter Seals and the state Department of Health.
“Although it was a very stressful time for our family, the March of Dimes helped to ease some of the stress through its support,” Cadawas told the walkers as Zalyah watched in silent awe at the large turnout.
Cadawas said the more funding the March of Dimes receives, the more research it can do to prevent other families from going through what her family suffered.
“Our family will strongly support the March of Dimes due to the continuous support services both Zalyah and Zaeden receive,” Cadawas said.
Mark James, another of the March of Dimes Board member said, “We’re here today to celebrate all babies — those born healthy, and those who need our help. The March for Babies makes sure they get that help.”
James said the March of Dimes has come a long way in fighting premature birth and other threats to babies’ health, but there is still more that is unknown.
“For the past 38 years, people like you, with big hearts and boundless energy, have been coming out to participate in March for Babies, the oldest and best-loved walking event in the country,” James said.
“Of the monies raised today, 77 cents of each dollar will be spent on research and programs to help find a way to protect and defend our babies’ health. By walking today, you make a big difference in the lives of all babies, and your support spells hope for America’s newest generation.”
One of those 300 walkers was a worker from Long’s Drugs who said she went door to door to solicit funds for the March of Dimes.
“We only have nine members on our team here, but going door to door showed me how good people are,” she said.
Longs Drug Stores is one of the state March of Dimes sponsors along with HMAA.
They join national sponsors which include Kmart, CIGNA, FedEx, Farmers, Famous Footwear and Continental Airlines.
Some of the Kaua‘i sponsors include Wal-Mart, Big Save, Alexander Day Spa, Del Sol at Anchor Cove, Fun N’ Kwazy Rentals, Kustom Sounds and the Kapa‘a Ice House.
Joining Agoot and James on the March of Dimes Board are Jan Pascua, Cathy Conradi, Evie Boiser, Ken Carvalho, Lisa Ubay, Jarrett Chytka, Nena Cardoso, Edie Watanabe, Kimberly Pasco, Nancy Phillion, Jim Rosa, Carlotte Casey and Virginia Beck.
“One day, all babies will be born healthy,” James said. “But we have to walk to get there!”
And as the group got underway, Catherine Paleka, music director for the Kapa‘a High School band, fired up her drum line and color guard to set the pace for the colorful sea of walkers who set out to give every baby a healthy start.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
