Opp Elementary School students will once again be walking for a cure for diabetes, officials said this week.

Beth Lewis, organizer, knows firsthand the importance of diabetes research and the need for a cure.

Lewis’ son, Chandler Weeks, a fourth grader at OES, was diagnosed with juvenile (type 1) diabetes a little more than a month after he turned 2.

“In Opp City Schools, there are several children who live with this disease, two of which attend OES,” she said. “This year’s Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraiser will begin with a kickoff rally Mon., April 1 during each class’s PE time. During that time, the students learn warning signs and many facts about diabetes.”

During the two weeks after, Lewis said students will raise money to help find a cure for this disease.

The fundraiser will wrap up Fri., April 12, with the Walk to Cure Diabetes.

“We are inviting the community to come walk with the students, support them and let them know they raised money for a great cause,” Lewis said.

Fifteen thousand children a year are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, she said.

“Over 500,000 people will walk to cure diabetes this year,” she said. “The students and faculty at OES will be among them. Will you?”

For more information or to donate, call OES at 493-6031.