Marquitha Gilbert knows first hand how valuable The March of Dimes is to mothers who give birth prematurely.
The former Parlin resident unexpectedly gave birth 17 weeks early to twin girls. The smaller of the girls, who weighed 15 ounces, died after four days. But after several surgeries, Marie, who weighted 1.3 pounds at birth, is a thriving two-year-old.
“I got involved with The March of Dimes to try to understand why I gave birth early and what to expect from a pre-mature baby,” Gilbert said, adding that the organization also connected her with other mothers who gave birth prematurely.
The March of Dimes has been a lifesaver for Gilbert, who now lives in the King of Prussia area in Pennsylvania.
And because the role the organization has played in Gilbert’s life, Valerie Mason-Robinson is hosting a spa party to raise money for The March of Dimes from 5-8 p.m. Friday (March 6) at Eden Organix, 215 Raritan Ave.
“When we work with non-profits, I usually work with ones that benefit women, children or the environment,”
For $50, you get a facial, massage and hand treatment. Each service lasts 15 to 20 minutes and 20 percent of the sales will be donated to The March of Dimes. There will also be food, drinks and music.
The March of Dimes relies on donations from businesses and individuals to support its research.
“In spite of these trying times, we are so grateful to Eden Organix for hosting a spa party and donating 20% of the proceeds from this event to assure the health of our mothers and babies,” according to information supplied by Christina Jablonski, state communications manager for The March of Dimes New Jersey Chapter.
“It’s clear that people know the importance of protecting the health of our country’s babies, and they’re coming through with commitment to that cause and generosity,”
The March of Dimes uses 77 cents of every dollar raised to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. Money raised is also used to bring comfort and information to families whose babies are born too soon or too sick, according to The March of Dimes.
Gilbert currently raises money for The March of Dimes and still uses the organization as a resource because Marie has Epilepsy, is visually impaired and had severe bleeding of the brain.
“I’ve had a wonderful partnership with them as I continue to find ways to prevent this from happening to anyone else,” Gilbert said.
Mason-Robinson said the spa party is two fold and encourages the community to come out.
“You can hang out with people in a fun, positive environment, while doing something good,” she said. “We’re calling upon the community to partner with us. It’s not just Eden. It’s a community effort.”
