Last Sunday, 30 people gathered at the Eno River, ready to walk. But on this beautiful afternoon their walk was more symbolic than recreational: they were congregating for the L.C. Katz Walk for Melanoma Research organized by my brother, Justin Katz, 13, to honor our father, Larry Katz, who died of melanoma nearly four years ago.

Justin organized the walk as part of his bar mitzvah, to "benefit the community and the world." He chose a cause close to his heart, hoping to raise a small sum for the Melanoma Research Foundation by walking with some friends and family. However, word spread and his project grew. "A lot of people donated," he said. "My goal at the beginning was to raise $400, but by the end I raised over $5,200." Justin hopes to make the walk an annual event.

Justin approached his work with great energy and vision. It's been remarkable to watch him rise to the challenge of organizing this endeavor, putting in the creative spark as well as the hard work to make the walk the success it was. Justin brought his many communities together: kids from Duke School walked alongside coaches from the Mid-South Fencing Club, former colleagues of Justin's dad walked alongside a childhood friend of Larry's who had flown in from Boston for the occasion. Uniting all these different people under a common good cause, Justin's walk truly achieved the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, repairing the world. Justin encourages others to find a cause they love, and to contribute to that cause wholeheartedly. "It's not that hard, so just do it," he says simply. "And it feels really good afterwards."

It's not too late to contribute to Justin's mitzvah project: if you're interested in donating to the Melanoma Research Foundation, go to www.active.com/donate/lckatzwalk

Ariel Katz

Orange County