WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. AUGUST 17, 2010 - What started as a joking request led the town of Cridersville, Ohio, to officially change its name for a day to Snidersville in honor of Dee Snider, front man for the 1980's heavy metal band Twisted Sister, and national spokesman for March of Dimes Bikers for Babies.
"I've had many dreams and been lucky enough to have most of them come true, but I would never dare to dream of something like this! Having a town change its name to mine-even though it is changing only a few letters -is one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me!" said Dee Snider, who jokingly requested the change when a listener from the town requested a song. "It's even better that we can support the March of Dimes work to give all babies a healthy start in life."
On August 21st, Cridersville, Ohio, will be officially changing its name to Snidersville. That same day, Mr. Snider will host a March of Dimes Bikers for Babies ride and will ride his motorcycle from Lima, Ohio, to "Snidersville" with other bikers to help raise funds to help fight premature birth.
"The town agreed to change its name, and Dee found a way for it to benefit the March of Dimes," explained Ryan Reker, program director and on-air personality at Maverick Media. Mr. Snider hosts a nationally syndicated House of Hair radio show for Recker's station, WEGE-FM, which is sponsoring the Bikers for Babies event.
Premature birth is a serious health problem. Each year in the United States, more than a half million babies are born too soon. Premature birth is a leading cause of infant death, and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifelong health challenges, including breathing problems, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and others.
The March of Dimes has always been important to Mr. Snider. He is the national spokesperson for March of Dimes Bikers for Babies, and two of his four children were born prematurely. Mr. Snider has been riding in Bikers for Babies for more than a decade, hitting the open road in support of finding causes and preventions for premature birth.
This year, 30 Bikers for Babies events will take place throughout the country. Each ride to benefit babies is about 70 miles long, with every mile counting to help fight premature birth and give every baby a healthy start in life.
Join Dee Snider, the March of Dimes and other riders in helping to improve the health of babies. If you can't ride, you can help by making a donation or volunteering your time at the event. Register now and show your support at bikersforbabies.com.
The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.