LETTERS: YOUTH-WALK FUNDS WILL FIGHT DIABETES

To the editor:

Way to go, youths. That was what I was thinking when I was told how much Youth Walk for Diabetes 2000 raised. The walk was a tremendous success, raising over $9,000. I am proud to say that all of the money raised will go into a special new fund that the American Diabetes Association has set up just for youths.

The Youth Advocate Fund was set up so all of the money raised is raised solely by youths and 100 percent of what is raised is used to find a cure.

This was the first year the walk was held in Cape Girardeau County. It was the first youth walk in Missouri. It will be an example for other youth walks to follow. To all of the walkers, you were awesome.

As always with projects like the youth walk, there are many people who need to be thanked. First and foremost I want to thank all of the walkers who contributed to the success of the walk. Everyone in the media was great in helping me get the message out. I want to thank Whitney Thomas from KISS 93.9 for airing commercials prior to the walk. There are some very special people who need to have their names mentioned because of their support and dedication: Josie Glueck, Majhon Phillips, Vicki Abernathy and my mom and dad. Thank you so much for everything. I need to say thank you to the over 50 businesses that made the youth walk possible. Also, I want to say thank you to everyone who contributed to the walk whether it be through a donation of money, time or energy.

I hope Youth Walk for Diabetes 2000 has not only shown that youths are serious about finding a cure for diabetes, but also has shown the integrity of youths everywhere. In an age when youths are not always focused, I think it is great to see over 200 young people come together for a common cause.

Again, thank you to everyone. I look forward to working with you to make next year's walk even better.

JUSTIN GIBBS

Co-Chair

Youth Walk for Diabetes 2000

Jackson, Mo.