Co-Workers, Families And Friends 'Step Out' To Stop Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 11 Sep 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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This year, thousands of people in communities across the country will come together to demonstrate their support in the fight against diabetes by participating in the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes ® event. Step Out is a fundraising walk that takes place in more than 160 cities to raise awareness about diabetes and to raise much needed funds to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is a family event for those who want to become involved in the community and help change the future of diabetes. Participants can walk as an individual or create a team and walk with friends, family, and co-workers.

The American Diabetes Association is also looking for Red Striders. A Red Strider is a person with diabetes who has a passion to stop diabetes and is willing to put a face on this disease by helping others understand what it takes to live with -- and fight -- this serious disease.

"On the day of Step Out, it is very important to recognize all of the people with diabetes," said Christine Schaeberle, founder of one of the first Red Strider programs in Colorado. "By wearing red hats that signify that we are living with diabetes, we are able to recognize people with diabetes who are taking steps to stop diabetes."

Join Christine and other Red Striders who will 'Step Out' this year wearing their Red Strider red hats.

"The Red Strider program really opened my eyes to the fact that I am not alone and I am joined by so many other people who are living with diabetes. For people who participate in Step Out and don't have diabetes themselves, this is a way for them to see the many faces of diabetes and reinforce the fact that diabetes affects people of all ages and ethnicities. These are the faces that encourage me to walk, and I am inspired to do all that I can do to fight this disease each and every day. I am encouraged to share my story with the hope that other people will join me in raising money to stop diabetes," added Schaeberle.

Today, there are nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes. While nearly 18 million people have been diagnosed, there are 5.7 million people who don't even know that they have the disease. If present trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans, and 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. To date, the American Diabetes Association has raised and donated more than $450 million for diabetes research.

National sponsors of Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes includes Cary's Sugar Free Syrup and Equal. Be a part of the cure and start raising money today. To register, volunteer or find out more information, please visit http://www.diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES. Together we can stop diabetes. One step at a time.

Source
American Diabetes Association