Local Residents Make Every Step Count as Part of the Stop Diabetes Movement

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This year, more than 2,000 area residents will come together to be part of the Stop Diabetes® movement at the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the one-day signature fundraising walk benefiting the American Diabetes Association.  Every dollar raised through Step Out plays an important role in supporting the Association’s mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

“Diabetes is a devastating disease that touches us all,” said Natalie Johns, 2011 Step Out Committee Chair.  Natalie’s 8-year-old son, Kyle, was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 5 years old.  “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is such a wonderful event for friends and co-workers to come together and help change the future of diabetes.  The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless.”

Today, there are nearly 26 million Americansâ€"including over 120,000 in North Florida/South Georgiaâ€"who have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 7 million people are unaware that they have the disease.  If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050. 

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes provides an opportunity for employees, friends and family to come together for a fun, healthy activity.  It’s an event for anyone who wants to support the Association and raise critical funds that will help Stop Diabetes.  Thank you to our national sponsors: Novo Nordisk, Cary's® Sugar Free Syrup, Equal® 0 Calorie Sweetener, PureVia® All Natural Zero Calorie Sweetener and Dignity® Memorial Network for their outstanding support.  To register, volunteer or find out more information, please visit diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES.  Together we can stop diabetes. One step at a time.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.