Community support sought for diabetes walk

A group of Carson High School students is looking for community partners to help with a March 5 walk to benefit juvenile diabetes research and prevention.

"Juvenile diabetes is a huge, huge issue," said teacher Shana Wilkins. "It's a growing concern throughout the country."

Members of Health Occupations Student Association are trying to recruit local businesses to sponsor booths, provide food and water for the event and distribute information and sample items to participants.

"We'd love to be able to give (the walkers) stuff so they feel they are appreciated for showing up," Wilkins said.

Wilkins teaches five health occupations classes at the high school. Her students, along with those taking athletic training, forensics and computers for medical offices, make up the Health Occupations Student Association.

The association, which has about 85 members, began as a pilot program last year. It is designed to give students hands-on training in all areas of the medical field, while providing them with internships and other medical-related opportunities.

Wilkins said a large focus of the association is on community service. Students raised $1,200 for Alzheimer's research earlier this year and make frequent visits to area convalescent centers.

"Medicine is really all about helping others," Wilkins said. "You really have to have that feeling of service to be good at medicine. If you don't want that, medicine may not be right for you."

The juvenile diabetes walk is part of the national association's drive to sponsor that cause.

Students will be approaching local business in coming weeks soliciting support and are hoping to involve elementary school students in fundraising for the effort.

It is free to sign up for the walk, however participants are encouraged to raise money. Those who raise at least $25 will receive a T-shirt.

The walk will be a 1.5 mile course around the high school campus.

Booth spaces are also free and tables will be provided.

The association hopes to raise $10,000.

Anyone interested in walking or donating to the cause can go to jdrfevents.donordrive.com to sign up.

Those interested in hosting a booth should e-mail Wilkins at carsonhosa@gmail.com.