March of Dimes: WalkAmerica on Saturday

Nearly 400 people are expected to participate in Saturday's WalkAmerica for the March of Dimes.

Jill Cummings, the Carson City team walk coordinator, said nearly double the number of expected walkers showed up for last weekend's WalkAmerica in Reno.

Cummings said officials hope to raise up to $50,000 Saturday in Carson City.

"Right now our projections are a little bit lower than we hoped," she said. "But we have a lot more individuals signing up and participating and several new teams."

People can sign up Saturday morning with registration starting at 8 a.m. and the walk starting at 9 a.m.

Nine-year-old Andrew Harris, a child born 14 weeks premature and a top young fund-raiser for the charity, has collected $1,675 in pledges for the walk.

His mother, Stephanie Harris, said Andrew has a Web site, www.walkamerica.org/andrewh, for those who would like to donate.

Andrew still suffers medical problems because he was born 14 weeks early and has had 18 surgeries to correct his problems.

"Last year he was battling with vision loss," Harris said. "He had surgery on his eyes a month ago at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and some of his vision has come back."

Andrew is in the third grade at Sutro Elementary School in Dayton.

Stephanie said Andrew has relatives coming from California this Saturday for the event.

In addition to walking, there will be music, food, face painting, massages, prizes and giveaways. A DJ, special guests and entertainment will also add to the day's festivities. Following the walk, Port of Subs will supply sandwiches to all participants.