LOCAL YOUTHS ORGANIZE STATE'S FIRST AMERICAN DIABETES YOUTH WALK

Southeast Missouri youth will come together May 6 to tackle a disease that debilitates both young and old.

The first American Diabetes Youth Walk in Missouri history is being spearheaded by two Jackson youth who would like adults to realize that area teens can make a positive contribution to society.

"We wanted to have a youth walk because youth in the area are getting a bad rap," said Justin Gibbs, an eighth grader at R.O. Hawkins Junior High. "This will make a difference in the lives of many people."

"I challenge all youth in this region to come out and walk," said his co-chair, Majhon Phillips, a sixth grader at Jackson Middle School. "Let's show Missouri what we can do."

The three-mile walk, to be held at 8:30 a.m., May 6 at the Cape County Park North, is being called "Walk in Our Shoes."

It is open to any area youth in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Team and individual prizes are available, from water bottles and T-shirts, to a sports radio and portable Discman CD player.

Phillips urges school or church groups or summer sports teams to walk as teams and to "make a competitive game of it."

Diabetes and diabetes research presents a glum picture at the moment. More than 16 million Americans have the disease. Yet, while the death rate has gone up 30 percent since 1981, according to the national Institute of Health, funding for diabetes research has dropped 31 percent. Of the $40 billion spent on diabetes last year, only $1 billion went into research.

Every four seconds another person in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes.

Gibbs and Phillips served as Jackson Youth Ambassadors this spring, collecting signatures for a petition that was taken to Washington, D.C. It requested that at least one percent of the diabetes money be spent in trying to find a cure.

Gibbs went to Washington and attended a huge youth rally for the movement. Phillips donated her signatures to an individual with diabetes, who went in her place.

Thousands of youth signed a giant banner at the event. Gibbs has managed to obtain the banner, which will be displayed at the walk May 6.

Diabetes is broken into two types. Individuals with Type 1, sometimes called Juvenile Diabetes, require insulin. It is more common among children, but can affect anyone. Those with Type 2 can generally control it by diet and exercise.

Exercise is another reason the walk was initiated.

"It's a healthy activity," Gibbs said. "One way to prevent diabetes throughout life is to be physically fit."

Of course, he pointed out, fitness does not make one immune to the disease. Gibbs' mother and Phillips' father both suffer from the disease.

Forms are available at St. Francis and Southeast hospitals. Flat donations are being taken -- not donations per mile. Musical entertainment is currently being sought for the event.

"Anyone can drop by and watch," Gibbs said. "Donations are welcome."

He noted that several political figures are expected to be present to show support for the walk.

The preferred means is to form teams of 10 or less -- although individuals are also welcome. Everyone walking will receive some prize.

Schools are also encouraged to participate. Schools who raise $500-$1,499 get to keep 5 percent of the money; those raising $1,500-2,999 get 10 percent; those raising $3,000 and above, get 15 percent.

"Schools benefit, too," Gibbs said. "It also promotes an activity that shows the integrity of youth in the area."

Both Gibbs and Phillips became involved in the diabetes movement two years ago.

"It somersaulted from there," Gibbs said. "It started small, then worked into something big."

Youth will also be bagging groceries to raise money for the cause. They will be at Marble Hill Country-Mart April 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at Jackson Country-Mart May 3, 3:30-8 p.m.

For more information, call Gibbs at 243-8223 or Phillips at 243-0701.