Two days before Labor Day, 13-year-old Courtney Joseph was laboring over packed tables and a cash register at Peddler’s Home Cookin’, looking the part of a waitress, if only for a day.

But the Rock Hill Middle School eighth grader didn’t mind the work — she asked for it. It was one of the fundraisers she is undertaking in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. All her tips from Saturday’s work — $365.48 — will go to that organization.

Courtney was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago. She is determined to do her part to find a cure for it.

Waiting tables on Peddler’s seemed like one way to do just that, even if it meant standing on her feet four hours and pouring those endless cups of coffee.

Wearing a white T-shirt that explained her mission, Courtney got brief instructions from her aunt, Cindy Barnes, who is Peddler’s manager, and then set off to greet customers.

“I just want to raise money for diabetes,” she said.

Her patrons were impressed.

“I didn’t know she was here,” John Osborne, of Portsmouth said. “She asked if I needed a refill and then I saw her shirt.” And he passed along a tip.

Her mom, Kristi Joseph, said Courtney is taking part in the juvenile diabetes Walk For Cure in Newport, Ky., Sept. 19. She has plans for other fundraisers, too.

“I am so proud of her,” Mom said.