SEVENTH-GRADER ORGANIZES WALK FOR DIABETES

Majhon Phillips, a seventh-grader at St. Paul Lutheran School, has completed organizing another Diabetes Walk for the American Diabetes Association.

The April 7 walk was her second, and she plans to do it again next year.

Phillips was motivated by her father's battle with this illness and the effect it had on her family. Allen Phillips was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago and has learned to manage the disease through monitoring his blood sugar levels and watching his diet. The whole family had to change its eating habits and pay close attention to labels on food packages.

Doctors still don't know what causes the disease but think the tendency to develop the illness exists at birth.

Because people are less active and more overweight, researchers expect more children to develop diabetes later in life. The walk was a good way to promote a healthy activity, and although exercise does not make one immune, physical fitness throughout life promotes good health.

Phillips estimated the walk raised $5,000.

People interested in donating can contact Majhon or Aleda Phillips at 243-0701.

David Schwab, Paul Sander and Rachel Watkins were present at the walk. Josie Glueck, a Jackson Middle School physical education teacher, led the walk and kept walkers motivated.