Martin to be Named "Honorary Ambassador"
of March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign

DENVER, Nov. 11 -- As a Denver Nuggets player, Kenyon Martin is normally associated with the team’s colors of yellow and blue. But for the sake of raising awareness of the urgent infant-health issue, he’s now also working for pink and blue.

Martin will be named Honorary Ambassador of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign at the Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game on Sunday, November 13, 2005, at the Pepsi Center when he is joined at Center Court with 14 prematurely-born Colorado children. The youngsters, ages 3 months to 6 years are dubbed “Kenyon’s Kids,” and will present the Nuggets forward with a special gift commemorating his appointment.

Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

“This is an issue that is close to my heart and I welcome the opportunity to be a part of the solution,” said Martin. “I am honored to work with the March of Dimes in their efforts to increase awareness and prevention about prematurity.”

As Honorary Ambassador, Martin will work with the March of Dimes to increase awareness and prevention of premature births. He will appear at selected March of Dimes events, serve as a spokesperson, be featured in health education materials and tape a public service announcement for television and cable.

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, launched in 2003, is a special initiative aimed at decreasing the rate of premature birth and raising awareness of the problem. Prematurity, when a baby is born three or more weeks too soon, has been labeled the nation’s number one infant-health challenge. It affects one in eight babies, both in Colorado and nationwide, is the leading cause of newborn death and many lifelong disabilities and costs the nation’s healthcare system approximately $16 billion a year. The causes of prematurity aren’t known in nearly 50% of the cases.

Pink and blue are the colors that represent prematurity awareness. Throughout Prematurity Awareness Month in November, a 20-foot, lighted, pink-and-blue ribbon adorns the east side of the Pepsi Center. In addition, 10,000 prematurity awareness wrist bands will be given to Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche game attendees during the month. Free health information about prematurity and the signs of preterm labor will also be available.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To achieve its mission, the March of Dimes funds research, education, community services and advocacy. Currently in Colorado, the March of Dimes funds nearly $1.4 million in healthy-baby programs. More information is available at www.marchofdimes.com/colorado.

The Denver Nuggets are committed to improving the lives of children and families within Colorado through a comprehensive program of education, health and fitness, community initiatives and special events. The players, coaches and staff are active participants in the community, dedicating thousands of hours each year visiting schools, hospitals and community centers. The association with organizations such as the March of Dimes is invaluable in making Colorado a better place in which to live, work and play.

For more info, please contact either Teri Washington with the Nuggets (twashington@pepsicenter.com) or Becky Herlinger with the March of Dimes (bherlinger@marchofdimes.com).