WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- "Every Baby Has a Story," a grassroots project to celebrate babies -- those born healthy, as well as those who need help to survive and thrive - has been launched by the March of Dimes with support from Trailways, the United Motorcoach Association and Motor Coach Industries.

An "Every Baby Story" coach will cross the U.S., starting Oct. 17 and ending Nov. 13, collecting memorable, relevant, inspiring and humorous baby stories from moms and dads.

The event coincides with November being Prematurity Awareness Month. The March of Dimes will use the tour to publicize and educate Americans about premature birth and other serious threats to infant health.

"This ambitious project to celebrate babies is a dream come true for the March of Dimes, and we're doing it thanks to the generous support of our three partners, Motor Coach Industries, Trailways and the United Motorcoach Association," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

MCI has donated a new J4500 LX conversion coach to serve as the March of Dimes "Every Baby Story" bus.

Trailways Transportation System is covering most of the operating expenses, including fuel, operators who will drive the coach across the U.S., and coach service by Trailway's companies across the U.S.

Godfrey LeBron of Paradise Trailways has helped coordinate the tour with the March of Dimes, and will help drive the coach. He is vice chairman of UMA.

UMA also is helping with the operating expenses of the bus. The association helped coordinate the donation of the bus with MCI.

A Website has been set up, www.marchofdimes.com/everybaby, that enables people who can't visit the bus to contribute stories. Participants in "Every Baby Has a Story" can post photos, art work or video about their baby.

The tour begins in New York City on the 17th, followed by stops in Washington, D.C., Greenville, S.C., Tuscaloosa, Ala., Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and returning to New York City.