Since Luke Lampke, now 4, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 2, the Lampke family of Colerain Township has worked to help find a cure.

Lukey's Groupies - father, Rick; mother, Julie; and sister Cassie; along with Luke - will be among walkers Sept. 27 in the Walk to Cure Diabetes march, starting at Paramount's Kings Island at 9 a.m. A second walk will start at the World Peace Bell in Newport at 10 a.m. Both are 5Ks.

"Anything we can do to help find a cure, we are all for it,'' Julie Lampke said.

The Lampe family, in their Colerain Township backyard, are (from left): Luke, 5; Rick; Julie; and Cassie, 13. Luke has diabetes and the family will walk for a cure. (Leigh Patton photo) | ZOOM |

Carpe diem

Molly Wilkins has a habit of seizing every teachable moment, said Meg Thomas, principal at Dater Montessori in Price Hill.

Wilkins, a preschool and kindergarten teacher, is donating a kidney to her brother Michael at Christ Hospital on Sept 30.

Friday, she explained to her students the function of a kidney and the warning signs of kidney disease.

"This is a real opportunity for them to understand the function of an organ of the body,'' she said. "My students will gain experience in knowing what I am doing and learn something about being in a hospital.''

Wilkins, 49, plans to walk 13 miles in the Marine Marathon next month.

Bevers are givers

MIDDLETOWN - Many people love the performing arts and willingly reach into their pockets to pay for tickets, but few reach as often or deep as the Beverfamily of Oxford.

The family just donated $10,000to Miami University'sMiddletowncampus.

The family's donation in part will go to the "Fantastic Free Fridays" program, which in the last three years has allowed more than 15,000young people in SouthwestOhioto attend live performances, while other money goes to multicultural programming.

"Over the years, Miami's Middletown and Hamiltoncampuses have managed to bring a very interesting, eclectic array of artists to their communities on a small budget," said Ernst Bever, whose family also has provided support for the Oxford Community Arts Center, Oxford Cemetery and the University of Cincinnati.

A reception today will honor the Bever family before the fourth annual Scholarship Benefit Concert at Finkelman Auditorium at 8 p.m. Ticket information: Web site.