How do I get sponsors to be the youngest runner to cross America and support the cause for diabetes type 1?

I am 14 and I am training to be able to run all the way across the continental US in hopes to set a record and at the same time be able to raise much needed money for the research and hope for a cure for type 1 diabetes, which I have and is on the rise, rapidly. I don't know where to begin to get this cause started and actually make it worth something. I am hoping for huge contributions to this cause. How should I begin?

I love your enthusiasm. Never let diabetes stop you from doing anything !!

Good luck.

Use Yahoo to set up a web site to collect donations and email everyone you know. You also might want to check with the people organizing the event. When I did March of Dimes Walk they set up a site for me. I collected more than ever before by using a website. I sent emails to people I normally would have been too shy to ask and they turned out to be the biggest donars.

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoopi/smallb...

Another way is to make up some flyers and hand them to people you know and if they don't read or respond wait a couple of days, then ask them if they would be able to donate.

I would strongly advise not to do this. You are diabetic and you are just 14!! Training for few months can't enable your body to get ready for such a big stressful event lasting over months. There is already enough research going on and I personally don't think that token marathons will generate enough funds. I appreciate your courage, but its premature and will probably prove harmful to you in the long run. If you ant to do something, why not make a forum or something like that for teenagers with DM from your area.

Well IndianIMG you sure a Mr. Negativity. Every little bit helps and I think this is a great idea. Not only will you raise money for a worthy cause but you will also show IndianIMG that diabetics are capable of doing anything. I would suggest contacting the American Diabetes Association. They might want to help out and could give you some corporate contact information. Corporations will be able to donate more money than individuals. Good luck and stay healthy!

Start in your town and get small corporate sponsors there. Then you can start thinking bigger. Flood the larger corporations with letters written by you and asking for their help. Get family and friends to help by spreading the word and literature. Make flyers, hang them everywhere and put on cars. Have an account set up at a bank for donations and put out donation jars in stores if they will let you. There are so many things you can do to help your cause. You go! and rock our world. Good luck!!!!!