Saturday, May 10, 2003
We want to thank everyone who participated in IRRF's 1st Annual Walkathon... as an athlete, sponsor or volunteer. The devoted participants were so dedicated that thunder, lightning, rain and mud didn't deter them. Inspite of the rain, a wonderful time was had by all.

Although the final numbers on donations aren't in yet, the unofficial total (subject to checking and rechecking) put our total donations near $9,000! We are really proud to be part of an organization with this level of enthusiasm and energy. FUNdraiser "extraordinaires" include Meg Zakin, Ellie Whiteley, Liz Crocker and Pat Gore. Another special thanks goes to all the individuals who were unable to walk, yet made donations and obtained sponsors. One hundred per cent of gifts to the IRRF go directly to fund diabetes research.

Many thanks to…everyone who attended and had a great time…the volunteers who showed up on time and in the right place…all the last-minute volunteers who stepped up to fill gaps…everyone who saw a need and filled it… Glenmore Country Club for the use of their facilities…landowners along the trail… Allyson Louthan for those homemade cookies… Dette McGrath for helping... Diane Manning prepare the trail… Josh McAdams for taking pictures… Gordon Shelton, Joe Hinkle, Tiffany Gibson, Gordon Merrick, Betsey Keating and Sarah Reidifer who came early, stayed late and provided ongoing support… the families of the Walkathon committee members, including Diane Manning, Marilyn Steinke, Susan Usher-Jones, Darlene Murphy, Katie Manning, Sonia Speh and Liz Crocker, who helped out in many ways before, during and after the Walkathon… every person who participated in is a hero in our eyes. Thank you and congratulations. We'd also like to thank the other unsung heroes who contributed so much without expecting recognition. Thank you to everyone for making IRRF's wettest (and first) Walkathon so much fun for all of us!

In the very near future, if nurtured along by private and corporate support, we will see major advances toward the elimination of childhood diabetes.

The Walkathon 2003 Committee

P.S.: If you would like to receive IRRF newsletters and updates by e-mail, please e-mail
Marilyn Steinke at