• The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will be hosting its annual “Walk to Cure Diabetes” on Saturday, Nov. 13 in Balboa Park. One La Jolla High School student, Christian Gimber, 16, has been a dedicated participant for 11 years and will be there again this year with his team to help raise funds and awareness. Christian was diagnosed with the disease at age five. “Participating in the walk and raising funds for research helps families like us feel like they are part of the cure, rather than just hoping for one,” said Christian’s mother, Pilar Gimber. Christian has helped raise thousands of dollars for diabetes research over the years by selling raffle tickets and sneakers at La Jolla High, and he organizes teams to get involved. In addition, Christian has his own graphic design company, and he designs logos and team T-shirts for events. The Gimber Family said they feel the walk raises awareness that Type 1 is different than Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 affects children and is usually diagnosed before age 30. It’s not caused by poor diet, overeating or lack of exercise, like Type 2 typically is. For more information, to donate or to register to walk, visit www.jdrfsd.org or call (858) 597-0240. • La Jolla resident Matt Harnett was honored on Nov. 4 for outstanding acts performed on and off duty with an “EMT of the Year” award by The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Medical Services (SDMS). Harnett and Del Cerro resident Marc Alnick, as well as other firefighters, lifeguards and civilians, were honored for performing heroic acts that saved lives during the annual Fire and EMS Service Awards ceremony at the Balboa Club. “We are proud of the performance of all of our employees every day, but are thrilled to recognize two exemplary employees for their dedication to the safety of their community,” said SDMS representative Reema Makani. “The efforts of these two individuals exceeded the call of duty on numerous occasions and we are thrilled to honor their efforts.” • Nancy Knight and her daughter, Lindsey Knight, 16, of La Jolla High School will be walking together for the first time in the upcoming Susan G. Komen “Walk for the Cure,” which takes place from Nov. 19 through Nov. 21. Nancy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, said it’s been something she has always wanted to do. “Every year in Bird Rock, the walkers would head past my house and I would say ‘I’m going to do that one day,’ and I kept adding it to my bucket list. Then when I was diagnosed, one of the first things I did was sign up to do the walk,” she said. The Knight’s team is comprised of six other members and will be sponsored by La Jolla health food company Kashi Co. Each team member is working hard to close in on their individual $2,300 fundraising quota, and Nancy said they’re almost there. In addition to fundraising, Nancy said she’s been busy training, despite having just finished a round of radiation treatment last week. “Some days are easier than others,” she said. “But my goal is to do the whole 60-mile walk.” • In addition, La Jollan Dr. Janine Thompson-Feldman will be walking for her eighth time in the “Walk for the Cure” event. Thompson-Feldman has lived in La Jolla since 1984 with her husband, Sandy, and two sons, Michael and JB. She is an anesthesiologist at University Ambulatory Surgical Center, an outpatient surgical facility associated with UC San Diego. “I started walking the year that my mother died from breast cancer,” she said. “She died of complications that would not occur today because there are so many new treatments.” For more information, to donate or to register, visit www.the 3day.org and click on the “San Diego” icon. • Last week, four prominent La Jolla women and 11 other women were awarded for their dedication to volunteering and philanthropic endeavors during a presentation tea event at the home of Diane Bell in La Jolla. Teresa Figueredo Doyle, Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome, Reena Horowitz y Fary Moini were each presented with the “Women of Dedication” honor at this year’s Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary luncheon. In its 46th year, Women of Dedication is one of San Diego’s longest running charity events. The event celebrates women who provide their time, talent and spirit to the community. The La Jolla Village News invites to you share your stories of outstanding La Jollans. Please send bios and photos to [email protected].
