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NORTH CAROLINA'S TOP TWO YOUTH VOLUNTEERS SELECTEDlPage Two Josh, a senior at Western Guilford High School, has spent the past three years educating legislators, health officials and others about the dangers of household toxic mold. In 2001, Josh and other family members began mysteriously suffering from serious illnesses and had to move out of their home after mold was discovered in a garage wall. "For the next two years, uncertainty and frustration ruled my life as we moved six times and even depended on charities to provide furniture," saidJ osh. When Josh heard that Congressman John Conyers of Michigan was working on legislation to assist victims oftoxic mold, he wanted to help. He began traveling to Washington, D.C., to share his family's experience with U.S. senators, representatives and other government officials. He also began speaking at national environmental and health conferences about the problem of toxic mold. Then, along with his mother, Josh formed a national coalition called M.A.P.E.R. (for Mold Advocacy, Prevention, Education and Research) to identify other victims and urge legislative support. In addition, Josh is researching ways to detect and evaluate mold contamination. "Causing mness and homelessness, toxic mold is a growing public health crisis, and is beginning to come to the forefront of environmental health risks," he said. Sarah, a sixth-grader at Harris Road Middle School, makes and sells pocketbooks and earrings to benefit the Blqrne Presbyterian Pediatric Cancer Clinic. Sarah was tested for cancer at the clinic last year, andwas impressed by the way doctors and nurses there could make young cancer patients feel happy and cheerful. "I realized after I went home how inspiring the people at the doctors' office were," she said. Even before her own 'test results were in, Sarah decided that she wanted to do something for the clinic and its patients. After consulting her guidance counselor, she began spending up to five hours a day sewing purses and making earrings. Then she made signs and fliers to market her products, and sold them at local fall festivals and around her neighborhood. Sarah has raised $400 for the clinic, which will be used to buy games and supplies for its patient treatment room. Sarah also learned that she was cancer-free. "Even though I found out that 1 do not have cancer," she said, "I hope to have a fund-raiser for the clinic every year." In addition, the prog~am judges recognized six other North Carolina students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive cornmunity service activities. Each will receive an engraved bronze medallion: - more - C. .:1