As a national March of Dimes spokesperson and expectant mother, Thalia knows the importance of a healthy start for every baby. That's why, starting this Wednesday, she is encouraging fans who would like to present her with gifts, to log on to the first-ever "virtual baby shower" on AOL Latino (http://www.aollatino.com/) and donate to the March of Dimes.


"The best gift you can give a baby is a full nine months of pregnancy," says Thalia, the Latina superstar. "In giving to the March of Dimes, my fans can help support vital research and programs to help babies and their families."


Thalia joined forces with the March of Dimes in 2005 to educate women about the steps they can take to reduce their chances of having a premature baby. Starring in a March of Dimes national public service advertising (PSA) campaign called "I Want My 9 Months," Thalia urges women to take action before pregnancy by talking to their health care provider to assess their risk for having a premature baby. The campaign is part of an overall educational effort in the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign.


The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.


Thalia's fans can donate to the March of Dimes online at: https://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/donate_online_thalia.asp