Robert and Cathlin Burnett know firsthand the endless amount of help and support families need when a baby is born prematurely.

A doctor at Island Women’s Healthcare in Coupeville, Robert Burnett and his wife have seen the financial and emotional stress involved, and the related birth defects such as blindness and respiratory problems.

“It can be very draining for families,” Robert said.

This month, the couple will raise awareness about premature births and infant mortality by asking the public to lace up for Oak Harbor’s first March of Dimes walk in many years. Research funded by the nonprofit organization has led to the creation of treatment, which has saved the lives of many babies born too soon.

From 2006 to 2009, the March of Dimes has awarded over $7 million to research programs in Washington State.

“A portion also comes back to the island directly in support of families that have premature babies. It helps them with lodging and transportation costs,” Robert said.

Babies born a month or more before their expected due date on Whidbey Island are airlifted to a larger facility, Cathlin explains, usually in Seattle. Mothers can remain in the hospital for up to eight weeks.

“The financial burden alone can cause problems in the family, especially if they have other children to care for. There’s also the commute and the time taken away from work,” she said.

The March of Dimes walks are held annually throughout Washington, with the biggest in Seattle and Everett, but Cathlin wanted to organize something closer to home to better involve local families.

Event-goers will walk the trails of Oak Harbor’s Windjammer Park Saturday, March 20, beginning at 11 a.m. Walkers collect donations from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and companies.

The event will include activities for the walkers, face painting and a barbecue and celebration starting at noon. The March of Dimes walk is supported by Island Women’s Healthcare and the Oak Harbor High School DECA.

People can register online at www.marchforbabies.org, or register at the event at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Amy Ruben of the March of Dimes at 206-624-1373, or aruben@marchofdimes.com.