The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Coastal Empire held its kickoff for the 2007 Walk to Cure Diabetes at Grayson Stadium on June 30. Families and supporters gathered to get the latest information on juvenile diabetes and register for the Sept. 23 Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Even though a short thunderstorm threatened at the beginning of the game, all of the participants weathered the storm to have a great time with the Sand Gnats. McKinley Heil and Grady Newton, type-1 diabetics, threw out the first ball to start the game and kickoff what should be a fantastic fundraising season culminating with the Walk to Cure Diabetes on Sept. 23 at Daffin Park.

As many as 3 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, a disease most often diagnosed in childhood that strikes suddenly, lasts a lifetime, and carries the constant threat of deadly complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Thanks to dramatic research progress, a cure is now within our reach.

The Walk draws people together in a healthy activity for a worthy cause, raising money to help find a cure for diabetes. It's fun for families and builds camaraderie among company employees. Above all, it's an event you will feel good about being a part of.

Typically, more than 80 cents of every dollar donated to JDRF goes directly to worldwide research and education about research.  JDRF has received top rankings from the American Institute of Philanthropy and other independent sources that rate charitable giving.  JDRF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. All donations to JDRF and its chapters and branches are tax-deductible.

Information about JDRF and the Walk to Cure Diabetes can be found at www.jdrf.org or walk.jdrf.org.  For information on the JDRF – Coastal Empire contact Leigh Heil or Christine Walker at coastaljdrf@comcast.net or (912) 544-0225.