Published: October 13, 2008 08:36 am      

Diabetes Walk a fund-raising success

By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Like many 11-year-olds, Jordan Burk enjoys karate, video games, Legos and riding four-wheelers. But unlike other children his age, Burk was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three-years-old.

Currently Burk and his family are looking into an insulin pump which would eliminate the need for multiple daily injections as it delivers insulin while monitoring blood sugar.

“He checks himself about five times a day and he never complains,” Burk’s mother Linda said.

Burk and his family were joined by many other area residents at the Diabetes Walk Saturday morning to raise funds for a cure.

Jennifer Griffice, who has been a diabetic for 18 years, said she supports others with diabetes by participating in the walk, and in the past, she has served as a camp counselor for children with diabetes.

“There is a diabetes camp in St. Louis and in Monticello,” Griffice said. “I was a camp counselor and many kids from all over came out to talk to each other. It educated them about meal plans, exercises and what to do if their blood sugar is too low or too high.”

American Diabetes Association chairman Dick Jones said this year he was pleasantly surprised at the amount of money participants and local businesses raised.

“The people and volunteers have done a phenomenal job,” Jones said. “We went beyond $26,000, and from the figures so far, Jefferson County is number one for dollars raised per population in America compared to diabetes walks in other counties.”

Jones announced Taylor’s Team, named after Taylor Coggins who also has Type 1 diabetes, was the top fund-raising team for the walk.

“You learn to adjust to it, but that’s why we’re here — to help find a cure,” Coggins’ mother said.

Local businesses also raised money by hosting piggy banks at their locations. Those that reached their fund-raising quota appointed one of their businessmen or businesswomen to kiss a pig after the awards ceremony at the walk. Jones said insulin, which plays a critical role in treatment of diabetics, was initially derived from the pancreas of a pig. Although insulin is now derived from other sources, the historical and lifesaving significance of the pig is still recognized, Jones said.

Jones added the walk would not have been possible without sponsorships from Continental Tire North America, Crossroads Community Hospital and St. Mary’s Good Samaritan.