BREWER – Sharon Versyp, University of Maine women’s basketball coach, was named the 2003 Bangor-Brewer March of Dimes WalkAmerica honorary chairwoman on Wednesday.

“Each year, more than 460,000 babies are born too soon, some so small they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others will struggle with lifelong health problems,” Versyp said. “By participating in WalkAmerica, you can help give these infants a fighting chance, and I urge you to join me on April 27, 2003, to be a hero for these babies.”

March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates have been working since 1938 to give all babies a fighting chance against major health threats, such as prematurity, birth defects and low birth weight. The March of Dimes carries out this mission through research, community service, education and advocacy.

To register for WalkAmerica, call (800) 525-WALK, or visit www.marchofdimes.com/walkamerica.