Echoing A Variable Which Isn't Set Until Later In The File?

I could have sworn this was possible somehow, but it isn't working for me... Let's say I have a line at the top of my file, which is echo "$links". Then, the variable $links is set further down in the file, depending on some SQL results and GET variables.

For me, even though I'm setting $links in the file, it will only echo if it's set before it's echoed. It make sense, but I have a definete memory that I once had a way around that problem - anyone know how to do it? Code: