“Keep conscience clear, then never fear.” — Benjamin Franklin

FINDING A CURE for juvenile diabetes is the goal for every participant in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes to be held May 17, said Erin Jones, the organization’s special events coordinator.

A kick-off party for team captains was held early this week at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The captains, who represent area companies and family teams, helped the foundation set goals for the this year’s event, “Pirates of the CURE-ibbean.” The walk will be at Coolidge Park.

Speaking at the event were corporate recruitment chairman Jeff Neal of Premier Banking & Investments; Jan Cheek, walk chairwoman, whose grandson, Will, is a Type 1 diabetic; and Caroline Harwood, a 9-year-old who has Type 1 diabetes.

“I prick myself to test my blood sugar six to eight times per day,” said Caroline. “But I don’t let diabetes keep me from doing the things I love. I still do ballet, cheerleading, dance and gymnastics.”

Caroline, who was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at 8 years old, attended the event with her mother, Ann Marie Harwood, and brother, Clinton.

Ms. Jones said Caroline spoke about fundraising.

“She is sending out letters to students in her school with a foundation paper sneaker, asking their families to support her team, ‘Caroline’s Crew,’ ” Ms. Jones said. “Caroline hopes to raise $1,000 to benefit the foundation.”

The overall goal for the local walk is $115,000.

“The 2007 walk raised more than $100,000 to benefit juvenile diabetes research,” Ms. Jones said.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1970 by parents of children with juvenile diabetes, a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications, according to a news release. Since then, the organization has provided more than $900 million to diabetes research worldwide.

For more information about the organization or event, call (888) 833-2873 or visit walk.jdrf.org.

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