IMPERIAL - Members of the Windsor High School Band joined with their families and friends to raise $4,000 in a recent "Walk-a-Jog-a-Thon" that will benefit diabetic children halfway around the world in the country of Georgia.

Band Director Nate Wisdom, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, said he benefited in his youth from attending Camp Hickory Hill, a summer diabetic education camp near Columbia led by University of Missouri endocrinologist Dr. Ron James. In 2007, Wisdom decided to organize a fundraising effort to help a similar camp in Georgia, a former Soviet republic. That camp also was founded by James, who died unexpectedly three years ago, as part of the Columbia-based not-for-profit organization A Call To Serve International.

The Windsor High group since has raised approximately $12,000 for the ACTS Ron James Georgian Diabetic Children's Camp, which has educated hundreds of children and teenagers since its inception in 1996. Before that time, young Georgians knew little about diabetes self-management. They had a short life expectancy compared to their non-diabetic peers, and young women with diabetes were unable to carry pregnancies to term.

"The knowledge gained from this camp and the practices the staff have instilled in these young people have literally saved and extended their lives," said ACTS International founder and President Patricia "Trish" Blair of Columbia, who took part in the fundraising event. "One of the biggest thrills and most rewarding experiences for me is to see former campers who are now mothers of healthy children themselves. That wouldn't have been possible just a few years ago."

Thirty-three people participated in this year's Walk-a-Jog-a-Thon, which was held at the Windsor High School track.  Funds raised will go toward operating expenses for this summer's camp, Blair said.

"Dr. James was not only my doctor for many years but also a friend," Wisdom said.  "When I found out that the Georgian diabetic camp had changed its name to the 'Ronald James Camp for Diabetic Children' and learned of their need, I thought it would be a great cause to help this camp with a local fundraiser. The support from Windsor students and families has been surprising and encouraging!"

Blair said that Imperial has a lot to be proud of in its band and band director.

"Nate is an outstanding role model for his band members, and the band students shine as examples of civic involvement for the Georgian campers to strive for," Blair said. "Our organization's board members, including the president of the ACTS chapter in Georgia who leads our team on the ground there, were amazed at everything he and the band members and parents have accomplished."

The group plans to hold the event again next April and invites other area residents to take part. Information about the camp is available and donations can be made at acalltoserve.org or by e-mailing wellnesscamp@mac.com.