Help stop diabetes, one step at a time

This fall, thousands of people nationwide will walk to help change the future of diabetes. Rain or shine, walkers will join together to stop this disease, which kills thousands of people annually.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is the American Diabetes Association’s signature fundraising walk event. With strong support from the business community including sponsorship and corporate teams, this event raises over $20 million to support the ADA’s mission: To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

People with diabetes can choose to walk as a Red Strider. A Red Strider is someone who has diabetes – type 1, type 2 or gestational – who can proudly walk as an individual or create a team and walk with friends, family and co-workers. The purpose of the Red Strider program is to support everyone who lives with diabetes and showcase the courage it takes to live with this serious disease.

Christine Schaeberle is one of the many walkers who will step out as a Red Strider this year. Red Striders are distinguished at Step Out events by wearing a red hat. “On the day of Step Out, it is very important to recognize all the people with diabetes,” says Schaeberle. “By wearing the red hats, we are able to do that.”

Schaeberle had a role in launching the first Red Strider program in Colorado. The program has since gone national.

“The Red Strider program opened our eyes to how many people have diabetes. It also made us realize how important it is for us to recognize them and how we need to raise money to cure this disease,” says Schaeberle. “On walk day, I felt particularly supported as I was able to recognize other people with diabetes. All the walkers encouraged us to keep fighting this challenging disease.”

Reasons why you should Step Out and walk to stop diabetes:

* You are showing support for the nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. with diabetes and the millions more at risk. Most people are affected by diabetes or know someone who is.

* There is no fundraising minimum, although it is strongly encouraged to raise funds and awareness to support the American Diabetes Association and its mission. As a reward, incentives are given to walkers for varying levels of fundraising.

* Routes are for everyone regardless of age or athletic ability. They range from 2 to 6 miles.

* The day of the event is a party to celebrate the accomplishments of all the teams and individual participants as well as an opportunity to promote awareness about diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.

For more information or to register for a Step Out event in your community, visit www.diabetes.org/stepout or call (888) DIABETES (888-342-2383).