Thousands Walk to Stop Diabetes

Share on facebook
Share
Share on twitter
Tweet
Share on email
Email

As a part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, thousands decided to step out to Six Flags Magic Mountain for the 25th annual Walk to Stop Diabetes on Saturday.

The event was presented by the American Diabetes Association.

“Everyone is having a great time, everyone is happy and everyone is out here for a reason,” said Laura Kirchhoff, Development Manager for the American Diabetes Association.

“They are here because they know somebody, or are somebody that is affected by diabetes.”

Before the walk kicked off, attendees had a healthy breakfast consisting of yogurt, fruit, bagels and coffee—as well as yoga, aerobics and other pre-workouts.

The walk itself coursed through Magic Mountain before park hours.

Over 3,000 people signed up to participate in the walk, but actual attendance was hindered after a traffic collision on Interstate 5 slowed northbound traffic heading into the Santa Clarita Valley.

“We figure we had close to 2,000 that were actually able to come in,” Kirchhoff said.

Santa Clarita resident Alma Springer showed up in memory of her husband Robert Springer, who passed away in 2014.

“There just wasn’t enough medicine,” Springer said in reference to her husband’s battle with the disease.

“I keep faith that someday you won’t hear about (having) to lose someone to Diabetes,” she said, tearing up.

Samuel Carter, who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for over 20 years, also attended the event.

diabetes walk
Samuel (L) and David Carter (R) with Scottish Terrier, Obama, pose at the 2016 Walk to End Diabetes.

“It’s good to see people going out (and) trying to do something about it,” he said.

Samuel’s son David said it’s not easy to to have a family member with diabetes.

“It’s tough you know, you try and help him as best you can.”

The walk expected to garner close to $200,000 for the American Diabetes Association.

Event officials said a large amount of that money would support local programs.

The American Diabetes Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.

Learn more at diabetes.org

Related To This Story

Latest NEWS