Aerobic Challenge Boosts Organ Donations

By Lisa DeNeal

Post-Tribune Correspondent

GARY - Twenty-five women got into a healthy groove by participating in the "Aerobic Challenge" for MOTTEP Saturday.

MOTTEP?

That's Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program.

Sponsored by Nu Eta and Gary Alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., at Indiana University Northwest, the event promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports MOTTEP's efforts in educating minorities on organ/tissue transplantation and organ donations.

Delores C. Gibson, president of the Gary chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, said the challenge was part of the sorority's "May Week," which began Friday and concludes next Saturday.

"All of the proceeds from the challenge's registration fees will go towards MOTTEP's efforts. This is our third aerobic challenge and each year it gets better and bigger in attendance," Gibson said.

Sheila George, executive director of MOTTEP, said theirs is the first national program especially designed to educate minorities on this health issue.

"We truly appreciate the sorority's support, as it is important to give people some knowledge about health and disease prevention," she said.

She added that many people do not know that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and the key reason behind kidney transplants. "And high blood pressure is a close second," George said.

"Today, we not only get to have a fun workout, but I will also talk with them about what they can do to be healthy and how they can be an organ donor."

Anita Randolph, 30, of Gary took advantage of the local vendors, as well as a pre-aerobic clinical massage therapy, provided by Sawyer College of Massage.

"I've always participated in the aerobics challenge; it is the only exercise I got all of the year," she said with a laugh. La'Tanzia Adams of Merrillville said this was her first time attending the challenge, which was led by aerobics instructor Sara Young.

"I feel great after the workout, really energized; and this is my first workout since having reconstructive surgery on my left knee," Adams said.

Visit them

MOTTEP has three offices in Northwest Indiana; the Gary office is at the Carter Cardiovascular Clinic, 2378 West 5th Ave.; in Hammond at the YWCA-City of Hammond, 847 117th St.; and the main office is in East Chicago Health Visions Midwest, 4522 Indianapolis Blvd.

Copyright © 2003 Post Tribune.

This article posted May 4, 2003.