Under the motto of “walking today so that others can walk tomorrow,” the annual Jr. Dixon Walk-A-Thon will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 at St. Andrews Recreational Park, 8701 St. Andrews Pl., in South Los Angeles.
The event is conducted each year to help provide prosthetic limbs for children, who suffer from an illness such as cancer, and also children who were born without limbs and come from low-income families, but also U.S. Veterans who lost their limbs in active duty.
It’s namesake, Burly (JR) Dixon, was a good example of determination, by being consistent and persistent. At the age of 10, Dixon had a bicycle accident that left him with only one leg, due to an amputation. But that didn’t stop him from succeeding. He remained strong with a positive attitude, that allowed him to beat the odds of his physical condition, financial disadvantages, and the lack to access newer amputee equipment. Nevertheless, Jr. Dixon graduated in the top 10 percent of his high school class, and attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dixon became a role model of courage for others.
What eventually stopped him, however, was a bullet, ignited by gun violence. While those responsible for Dixon’s untimely death have been sentenced to life terms in prison, his loss is still a misfortune. The foundation continues to value Jr. Dixon’s beliefs by giving back to the community and helping others “beat the odds.” According to the foundation’s website, “Jr. Dixon’s mission in life was to use his resources, his knowledge, and his connections to “beat the odds.” Ultimately, he wanted to provide for others, helping empower them and ensure they have what is necessary to overcome life’s obstacles.”
The city of Los Angeles and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43) have recognized the Jr. Dixon Foundation for its outstanding services they provide to the local community, and for the annual health fair they host. With this Walk-A-Thon, the community of South Central is honoring the courage and good deeds, of Jr. Dixon by doing this fundraiser.
“The Jr. Dixon Foundation is driven to complete the lifelong goal of Burley Dixon Jr. His vision was to assist any and all children and young adults that are amputees, with the proper resources and assistance towards betterment of education, progress in advanced medicine, career building, and overall access to freedom from being physically impaired and empower them towards success,” according to the Jr. Dixon Foundation website.
The Health Fair will have a variety of community organizations, who work to increase health awareness for all ages. There will also be a raffle, free hot dogs, and drinks. The health vendors include:
—W. King Health care Group
—Cedar Sinai Coach for Kids.
—AIDS Healthcare Foundation
—L.A. Health Department
—Regent Medical Group and many more.
For more information, call (323) 298-4497, (310) 531-6094 (for booth rental), fax (877) 259-4497, visit www.jrdixonfoundation.com, or email: jrdixonfoundation@hotmail.com.
