Jason and Sara Quartiers of Glens Falls honored and recognized as March of Dimes Ambassadors

Local Family Honored Through Joint Resolution

March of Dimes Continues the Fight for Healthy Babies in Albany

Albany, NY, May 23, 2012

– On Tuesday, May 22, both the New York State Senate and Assembly recognized March of Dimes Ambassadors Sara and Jason Quartiers for their volunteerism with a joint resolution. Inspired by their story, Senator Betty Little (R-C-I, Queensbury) and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) led the charge in their respective houses. The resolution read, in part:

"WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of the Empire State, there have emerged certain members of our community who have embodied truly magnanimous conduct and strength, and we call these individuals "distinguished citizens" of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor The Quartiers Family upon the occasion of being selected as the 2012 March of Dimes Northeastern New York Division Ambassador Family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Sara and Jason Quartiers."

Their family story is one of struggle and perseverance. Their son, Cameron was born 16 weeks premature. Unfortunately, Cameron only spent a short time at home and passed away on Oct. 20, 2009. The Quartiers have since dedicated their time to support the bonding of parents with their premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), through the use of children's literature and storytelling. Sara and Jason have been volunteering with March of Dimes since 2010. The Quartiers participate in the Adirondack March for Babies and have raised close to $30,000 with Team Project: Cameron’s Story. Sara also takes part in the March for Babies committee, participates in Advocacy Day, participates in radio interviews and both Sara and Jason are spokespeople to assist in carrying the prematurity message forward.

The day was kicked off with a morning program that featured several speakers including Senator Lee Zeldin, Chair, Senate Health Committee and the Quartiers Family. Then, volunteers from across New York State spent the rest of the day meeting with state legislators to lobby for support of the March of Dimes Public Affairs Priorities:

Support of New York State’s Regional Perinatal Centers (RPCs) that provide all the services and expertise required by the most acutely sick or at-risk pregnant women and newborns.

Support of S.5069-B/A.8231, which would require schools to provide educational materials regarding meningococcal meningitis and the meningococcal vaccine to students in seventh grade

. This legislation is important public health policy, which educates families about meningitis and the benefits of vaccinating their children against this preventable disease, with the ultimate goal of increasing the immunization rate. March of Dimes believes that regionalization of care is essential to improving quality, safety and performance across the continuum of perinatal care.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/ny or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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