They're born too early...and often face struggles that will last a lifetime.

Premature births in the state of North Dakota are on the increase...and trying to stop that trend you find the March of Dimes organization.

In Minot, that group's big event was this morning the 'March for Babies' where hundreds of people joined together to walk as one raising money and supporting families.

Ashley Gerner is the community director for March of Dimes in Minot and she says the show of support is wonderful.

(Ashley Gerner - March of Dimes) "The bittersweet thing working for the March of Dimes is that it is not hard to get people involved. One in eight babies born in the state is born premature right now. A lot of people have an attatchment to the mission. Many have been affected by the work we do. North Dakota has the fourth highest growing rate of premature birth. There is so much to be done and it is wonderful to be with people who get that." (Jenny Smith - Mother of Premature Babies) "It is an awesome organization, the March of dimes. If not for them we would not have all the funding for the technologies and medicine that these babies need to survive."

This year's event set a record for the amount of money raised in the Magic City in a big way.

Last year's total was 30-thousand while this year the number was close to 38 thousand dollars raised. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list