Portia Williams | Daily Times
Erica Thompson (center) passes out prizes to attendees of her “Erica’s Walk For a Cure” event Saturday at New Boston Stadium
Portia Williams
PDT Staff Writer
A 15-year-old, Erica Thomas, hosted her own Walk For A Cure Saturday at the New Boston Municipal Stadium. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. Thomas was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 8 and said she would like to cure for the disease, therefore, with the help of family and friends, she planned the walk.
The temperatures were cold and breezy, but this did not hinder Thomas, who said she is determined to make a difference.
New Boston Student Council, the New Boston National Honor Society and school cheerleaders also came out to support Thomas in her fund raising effort. Each group brought donations for concessions.
Thomas said that she was grateful for all of the support that each person and group contributed.
The activities for the event included a walk around the stadium, at $5 per person, as well as a cake walk and a chili cook off.
There were also activities for kids to participate in such as face-painting, corn hole, and a concession stand to purchase snacks.
Erica’s Walk For a Cure was also to include a “Battle of the Bands,” but it had to be cancelled due to some issues with electricity at the stadium.
Thomas said all of the proceeds raised from the event would go directly to JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Relief Foundation. The foundation has a research mission which is to discover, develop and deliver advances that cure, better treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes.
According to Thomas, there are seven other youths in her school district that are diabetics. Thomas said she knows each of them personally.
Thomas offered words of encouragement to other young people who suffer with juvenile diabetes.
““I just want to tell them to keep their heads up, stay strong and do whatever they can to help find a cure for it,”” Thomas said.
Thomas said she will continue to coordinate fund raising events and is optimistic that a cure for diabetes will be discovered.
Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 286 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com
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