Eric Zheng
Staff Writer
Ever have some annoying change jiggling around in your pocket? Put it to a good cause and donate to Dimes with Diabetes.
Medical reasearchers have yet to find a cure for diabetes, but in the meantime, Mira Costa students are doing their part in combatting this issue through the Dimes for Diabetes Club.
By making small contributions and utilizing many different tactics, this new club hopes to make big gains against diabetes, dime by dime. As one of several new clubs on campus, Dimes for Diabetes epitomizes the charitable spirit in its quest to combat this destructive disease.
The club is unique in that it aims to help students and diabetics both on campus and across the world. Members of the club support a cause that is trying to eradicate a disease thar hurts people worldwide, but they also intend to personally help students on campus. The club was founded by juniors Allison Shuck and Summer Justian.
“My mother is a diabetic, and it was very hard to manage in my family. I understand how difficult it can be to live with diabetes. Our club’s goal is to bring awareness to the disease, raise money for victims and contribute funding a possible cure,” Shuck said.
In America, diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases. Having been termed by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists “America’s largest healthcare epidemic,” finding cures for both type I and II diabetes has been difficult. The club aims to educate students about diabetes’ dangers and effects, to fight the disease’ influence on students.
“Diabetes is a very serious health matter that pertains to many students on campus. Today, the matter is often overshadowed. I believe that, as a club, we can spread awareness on the subject and help to prevent the disease among our peers. By raising money to fight the disease or promoting a healthy lifestyle to combat the disease, the club can reduce the risk to students and their friends,” Dimes for Diabetes secretary, junior Jennifer Sharp said.
Dimes for Diabetes has yet to firmly decide how it will focus its efforts in its fight against diabetes. However, the club plans to organize fundraisers, do community service, raise awareness and support student diabetics. The club has discussed the possibility of working in soup kitchens or holding carwashes to raise money for charities.
“We have not planned all of our upcoming group activities yet, but we will be involved in many charitable events both on and off campus. Mainly, we will be focused on spreading valuable information about juvenile and type I diabetes and how we can fight the disease. However, we would like to meet with diabetics on campus who may need help with treatment or managing the disease,” Justian said.
Since its inception, Dimes for Diabetes has grown rapidly on Costa’s campus. Nov. 18, on their first meeting, 18 newly-recruited members attended and registered to join the club. Dimes for Diabetes meets every Wednesday in room 31, Ms. Howerton’s room.
“Since our club is so new, there are endless possibilities and potential. Hopefully, we can accomplish our goals and more member come to our meetings and join the cause against diabetes,” Shuck said.
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