On New Year’s Eve of 2011, Andrew and Callie Palmer were excited for two reasons.

First off, they were the expectant parents of their first child and secondly, they were off to Atlanta to ring in the new year at a popular restaurant.

Their child wasn’t due until Feb. 15, but just after midnight, it seemed he would make an early entrance.

“He decided to come at the first of the year so he wouldn’t miss anything,” said Callie.

George Palmer was born New Year’s Day 2012 at 4 pounds four ounces.

Ms. Palmer said his premature birth caught her and her husband off guard.

“I didn’t have any complications, it just happened,” Ms. Palmer said.

Her husband said the March of Dimes played a role in helping his family through their son’s first days of life at Piedmont Hospital.

“It’s the small things,” Palmer said. “People that don’t even know who you are helping during the most traumatic time of our lives.”

Just over a year later, the Palmers, who are Cartersville residents, are serving as ambassadors for the March of Dimes.

The organization kicked off its annual March for Babies campaign Jan. 30.

Janet Queen, co-chairperson for the event, said she has been involved in the March of Dimes foe 25 years because of the work that they have done in their 75-year history.

“It’s personal to me,” Queen said. The March of Dimes is such a wonderful organization.”

Rodney Scott, co-chairperson for the event said that 2013 is a special year for the March of Dimes, which will hold its walk May 3 at Dellinger Park.

Between now and then, teams will work to raise money for the organization.

Scott said the goal is to raise $75,000.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I know we can get there,” Scott said.

Scott said there were 20,000 babies born prematurely in Georgia last year and the March of Dimes is committed to helping families and babies thrive in spite of the odds.

“It’s amazing to see what impact this organization has on every one of us,” Scott said.

Special guest at this year’s kickoff was Betsy Burton, great-granddaughter of Basil “Doc” O’Conner, founding director of the March of Dimes with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“The March of Dimes was something he was very passionate about,” Burton said.

For information on the March of Dimes and the March for Babies visit www.marchforbabies.org or call Michele Beal at (678) 564-5231 or by email at mbeal@marchofdimes.com.