JOIN STUDENTS FROM THE THURGOOD MARSHALL ACADEMY FOR LEARNING AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE

“FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES”

Walk-A-Thon, Health Fair, Prizes and Much More

WHO:            Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC), the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change and the Thurgood Marshall Lower School are collaborating to organize their first walk-a-thon and health fair to “Fight Against Diabetes.” The day’s events will raise money to help build awareness about this disease that has been a burden on the Harlem community. Proceeds from the events will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.

WHAT:          As part of the 8^th grade service learning project, students have been learning about the disease that has been affecting their community in staggering numbers. They’ve decided to do a walk-a-thon where they will carry posters and banners to bring attention to this cause. They have also created a “Wall of Honor” where they wrote the names of the people to whom they wanted to dedicate their walk. The health fair will follow the walk-a-thon. There will be healthy snacks and information on healthy eating as well as a number of informational booths set up by the American Red Cross, Schriner’s Club, New York Sports Club, Little Gyms, Ralph Lauren Cancer Center, Metropolitan Hospital (glucose screening and blood pressure), American Diabetes Association and the NY Mets

WHEN:          Wednesday, March 18 walk (9:00am-11:00am) and Health Fair (1:00pm-6:00pm)

WHERE:       Thurgood Marshall Academy (TMA) for Learning and Social Change

The walk begins at TMA on

WHY:            In Harlem alone, nearly 11 percent of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes. In recent years, adolescents have been diagnosed with type 2 at an alarming rate. In order to help combat and raise awareness about this epidemic, 8^th grade students at the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change have been fundraising and learning more about how the disease affects their community. This walk-a-thon will bring the community another step closer towards their goal to “Fight Against Diabetes.”

MEDIA:          Justin Kazmark: 212-561-7466; justin.kazmark@morris-king.com

ABOUT:        Founded by the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit comprehensive community development corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Harlem.  For 20 years, ADC has helped to strengthen and rebuild the socioeconomic fabric of the Harlem community by developing housing, spearheading commercial development, stimulating the local economy, fostering education, strengthening families and building community capacity through civic engagement.  ADC has grown into a $600 million, 150+ person agency with significant accomplishments, playing a key leadership role in the current “Harlem Renaissance.” ADC established the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, a public intermediate and high school, and its successor, opened in September of 2005, the Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School. www.adcorp.org.