Join Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates for March Of Dimes Walk

foot and ankle surgical associates
Shelby Carter (pictured with son Nash) got her team involved in March for Babies after becoming a mother made her realize how difficult a job it really is, especially if the baby is born prematurely. Photo credit: Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
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The team at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates works hard to keep you on your feet and moving. Now, they are asking you to use those feet for a good cause and walk with them at the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk, Saturday May 13 at 2502 South Tyler Street, Tacoma.

“We usually do different community events throughout the year,” explains Shelby Carter, marketing director at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates. “But I just had a baby in January and this cause became really ‘real’ to me. Pregnancy is hard enough without having to go through what these moms go through when they deliver pre-term.” She has had friends deal with the stress of pre-term births and has seen how difficult it is on the whole family. “I just got really involved in the charity and am very passionate about it,” she adds. “Being a mom is hard enough – it’s something you really don’t get until you are one. And then to have complications from a pre-term birth – it’s not something anyone should have to deal with. I get teary-eyed just talking about it.”

Shelby Carter
Shelby, at age 3, walking with her family to support SIDS. Photo courtesy: Shelby Carter

Supporting non-profits, particularly those helping children, is nothing new to Shelby. Her first walk for charity was at age three, helping support SIDS research and prevention. Her passion for helping others has continued throughout her life. “I have been involved in 4-H Hope from Horses, Relay for Life and more. I have brought my love of giving back into my role at Foot and Ankle, too. We host a yearly school supply drive for schools in Lewis and Thurston counties. Our sock drive in November supports local shelters and last year we partnered with other businesses to put together blessing bags. These included water, snacks, socks, gloves and other necessities.” 

Shelby’s heart for giving back and helping others in need has been an inspiration to her co-workers and the entire community.

The March for Babies walk raises awareness for the 380,000 premature births that occur each year in the United States. The monies raised are used for research and programs that help pregnant women carry their babies full-term, which results in healthier babies. They also provide support for families of premature babies. In Washington, the pre-term birth rate is 8.1 percent, according to March of Dimes data.

foot and ankle
The team at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates is looking forward to walking for this great cause. From left: Evie Ward, Kyla Fredrickson, Destiny Martin. Photo credit: Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates

This is the first year Foot & Ankle is participating in the walk. They have 17 staff members walking, including a few from Laser Artistry & Medi-Spa. The team is not limited to just staff members, however. “We are encouraging patients and community members to come walk with us,” Shelby says. “It’s a great cause, so the more people we can have supporting it the better.”

If you are not able to run, you can also sponsor their team by donating on their team page or by dropping by one of their offices to donate. “I set a really ambitious donation goal and we have a ways to go to reach that, but every dollar makes a difference for pre-term babies and their families,” she adds. The Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates team is hoping to raise $5,000 before the event.

Those that join the Foot & Ankle team are in for some fun, during and after the walk. “It’s always fun when we get together outside of work to support a cause,” Shelby says. “We plan on all going out for a celebratory lunch with the whole team afterwards, and everyone is welcome. I encourage all members of the community to join us in supporting this great cause.”

march for babies
Two of the staff members at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates work on their team shirts for the March for Babies event on May 13. Photo credit: Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates

For those interesting in participating in the March for Babies walk, here is the schedule:

When: Saturday, May 13, 2017
Where: 2502 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
Registration time: 8:00 a.m.
Start time: 9:00 a.m.
Walk distance: 3.5 miles

Foot & Ankle Associates gives back to the community each year through various fundraising events and community service. This year, they are participating in the Relay for Life and the Community Youth Services Color Run, in addition to the March for Babies. They visit local schools and speak to staff and students about careers in the health industry and their field of expertise.

To sign up for their team, visit the March of Dimes website. For more information about Foot & Ankle, visit Foot & Ankle Surgical Associate’s website or call 360-754-3338.

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