Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge couple raises $4,000 for March of Dimes

April 28, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
John and Kerry Quaglione bring their daughter Natalie Grace, 4, to the march every year. This year, they also brought their newborn daughter Olivia. Photo courtesy of John Quaglione
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Kerry and John Quaglione, along with their daughter Natalie Grace, take part in the March for Babies every year to raise money for the March of Dimes.

This year was extra special for the Bay Ridge couple for two reasons: First, they brought their infant daughter Olivia, born on March 3, to the big event, and second, they raised more than $4,000 for March of Dimes.

“This year, we were able to raise just over $4,000, the most we have ever raised. In the four years that my friends and family have been participating in the walk, we have raised over $10,000,” John Quaglione told the Brooklyn Eagle in an email.

John is the deputy chief of staff to state Sen. Marty Golden. His wife is the assistant principal at P.S. 127 in Bay Ridge.

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The March for Babies took place in Midtown Manhattan on April 24.

“I was invited to be on the stage during the ceremony and acknowledged as one of the teams that are in the Circle of Champions,” John told the Eagle.

The Quagliones called their group “Team Natalie Grace” after their older daughter, who is 4 years old and who was premature at birth in 2011.

Back then, the first-time parents had to visit Natalie Grace in the neonatal intensive care unit at New York Methodist Hospital, where the baby was kept in an incubator, attached to a spider web of tubes.

The loving care that Natalie Grace received at the hospital, along with the emotional support they were given by the hospital’s staff, is something the couple will always remember, John said.

Organizing a team and taking part in the annual March for Babies walk-a-thon sponsored by the March of Dimes is one of the ways John and Kerry Quaglione give back.

Founded in 1932, the March of Dimes provides assistance and support for families with premature babies. The organization also provides funding for research into the causes of premature births.

 


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