Lakeview College of Nursing Student Jessica Cook of Tilton, IL Steps Toward Focus on Genetic Diseases

2011 Aug 12

Jessica Cook of Tilton, IL is helping to organize a walk-a-thon scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24, in order to assist with the efforts of The Children's Rare Disease Network.

Cook is working with a group of students from Lakeview College of Nursing on this project and is hopeful that in organizing this walk they will raise awareness and funds for rare disease research. The group says they are also looking forward to providing education on rare diseases as well as an outlet to unify and empower the rare disease community.

Rare diseases affect about 30 million people across the United States, 75% of which are children. There are over 7,000 rare diseases that have been identified, according to the Global Genes Project website, www.globalgenesproject.org.

"Our group decided upon this project because we are all interested in pediatric nursing and have seen first-hand the devastating effects of a variety of genetic disorders," explained Kelly Strader, another member of the Lakeview student group. "We are asking not only all LCN students to join us in our walk, but all of Vermilion County to join us," she added.

The walk will begin at 10 am on Sat., Sept. 24 in the Lakeview College of Nursing parking lot. Participants will be walking approximately 3 miles, rain or shine. Food and drinks will be available to participants following the walk thanks to community support from the following entities: American Pavilion, Ford Farms, Mettam Inc. and Shore Wealth Management.

If you would like to register to participate please pick up a pledge form between the hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm from the front desk of Lakeview College of Nursing, located at 903 N. Logan Ave. in Danville, IL. All forms received by September 1 with a minimum sponsorship of $25 will receive a free t-shirt. Registration is also possible on the day of the event, beginning at 9 am.

The Lakeview group will also be selling Global Genes Project sweatshirts for $25 each and promoting Jeans Days at local schools.

All Global Genes efforts are part of the students' senior legacy project, which is required by Lakeview for graduation. The students say that the project has helped them with their communication, organization, planning and advocacy skills.

Lakeview College of Nursing is a single-purpose, upper-division college that has specialized in educating nurses since 1894. Lakeview began its baccalaureate program in Danville, IL, in 1988.