Isakson, Chambliss Praise Albany Non-Profit Founder as CNN Hero

7/7/09 U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised the work of Pamela Green Jackson, founder and CEO of The Youth Becoming Healthy Project, whose work has led to her selection as a CNN ‘Hero of the Week.’

Jackson will appear on CNN’s Larry King Live and American Morning this week to discuss her accomplishments with The Youth Becoming Healthy Project. 

Jackson founded the non-profit organization in February 2004 in memory of Bernard Green, her only brother, who lost his battle to complications of obesity-related illnesses on February 11, 2004.  Since that time, The Youth Becoming Healthy Project has worked with countless numbers of students in Dougherty County’s middle schools by placing fitness centers, staff and wellness programs in each school to help combat childhood obesity.  Jackson has also expanded her work to include elementary schools. 

“Not only does The Youth Becoming Healthy Project work directly with students and schools to provide fitness and nutrition education and healthier menu choices, but Pamela Green Jackson serves as an inspiration to the community as she took a personal tragedy and turned it into a victory for her community,” said Isakson.

“I applaud Pamela Green Jackson for her tremendous work in the Albany community,” said Chambliss.  “The obesity rate among children has dramatically increased over the past 20 years and these nutrition education and wellness programs are an important step in teaching our young students how to live healthy lifestyles.”

CNN Heroes, now in its third year, recognizes individuals around the world who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.  Thousands of individuals are nominated by people from around the world in various categories.  Jackson was chosen from a pool of viewer-submitted nominees and will be featured on Larry King Live this Thursday, July 9, at 9:00 p.m. and on CNN Heroes beginning Friday, July 10, 2009, on CNN, CNN International and CNN En Espanol.