Everybody wants to do something great with his or her life, and college students are no exception.

Heavy course loads and extra-curricular commitments, however, often make finding time for activities to benefit others difficult.

The March of Dimes Collegiate Council has made the process of getting involved extremely easy, even for those who operate on tight schedules. The March of Dimes WalkAmerica kickoff is being held tonight at 8 in Georgia Hall A.

“We’re really fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves,” says Shivanti Sethi, a sophomore from Lawrenceville who participated in the walk last year.

The event is designed to inform those interested in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes annual fund-raiser, and will give everyone a chance to sign up for the walk. The meeting also will include free food from On the Border.

Founded in 1938 by Franklin Roosevelt, the organization originated as a program to fund research of polio and to care for children suffering from the disease. After a cure was found, the March of Dimes changed its focus to the research of premature births and the links to low birth weight, birth defects and infant mortality (according to www.marchofdimes.com).

More than 1,200 premature babies (babies carried less than 37 weeks) are born every day in the U.S., and they are 12 times more likely to die than babies who are carried to full term, according to the web site.

The premature babies that do survive often suffer many complications including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, heart problems, and lung disease.

According to the March of Dimes, research the organization has funded has already saved the lives of many babies. The organization provides education and support for parents as well.

“Even if it only helps one person, it’s worth the time,” said Jared Isaacson, a sophomore from Atlanta.

All of the money raised in WalkAmerica goes to the march of Dimes so that they can continue their efforts in fighting prematurity.

The kickoff tonight will answer students’ questions concerning WalkAmerica or the March of Dimes, and those on the council will explain how to raise money and form teams for the walk.

The walk itself will take place at Bishop Park on Saturday, April 24 at 9 a.m.