Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, making every 21 seconds a new reason to walk and raise money to support research and a cure.
This year’s Walk for Diabetes event chair Karen Belford has her own reason for walking — her daughter, now 11, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 6. Diabetes runs in her family, Belford said.
“Even though a person with diabetes looks like you and me, it affects their entire way of life,” Belford said. “It affects family, friends and co-workers because they do have some needs to be taken care of. It’s important for those people in their lives to know what to do.”
Belford said even though people with diabetes don’t look different, they feel different.
“From the perspective of a young child, they often feel different,” she said. “But you can lead a very normal, active life, but you need to be on top of it. Diabetes ages the inside of your body if you don’t take care of it. It’s hard on all body parts. The better control you have on it, the healthier and longer life you’ll live.”
The Emporia Walk for Diabetes will be Sept. 23 at Emporia State University track and field. Belford said the walk is a family event that doesn’t take the whole day. The walk begins at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. ESU athletes will be on hand during the event and there will be activities to fancy nearly anybody’s taste. There will be a kids zone for kids and healthy drinks and snacks will be provided. Awards also will be given to top fundraisers.
For those who would like to support the walk, but can’t make it to the event, donations can be made in $1, $5 and $10 increments at Sensei Salon, 1309 W. Sixth Ave.; JavaCat 5, 610 Merchant St.; and Salon Mirage, 603 Merchant St. Donors can put their name on a star and the star will be displayed at the merchant.
“That’s a simple way to donate,” Belford said.
There are two types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is often hereditary, Belford said.
“It’s when the body attacks the pancreas so it won’t produce insulin anymore,” she said.
Type 2 can be controlled with diet and exercise in conjunction with oral medication.
“Oftentimes Type 2 comes a little later in life,” Belford said. “Sometimes kids who are overweight get it.”
Belford said no matter how hard people try to manage diabetes, it’s not an exact science. This makes fundraising efforts even more important, she said.
“The donations (from the walk) go toward education, improving daily care and research,” Belford said.
Almost 80 percent of every dollar raised funds diabetes prevention and research.
For more information contact Karen Belford at 342-9438. Registration can be done prior to the event at diabetes.org/walk or by calling Belford. Registration also can be done the day of the event.