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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071020/CLSA004 )
Step Up to Fight Diabetes marked a reinvigorated attack on diabetes and afresh approach to fund-raising events by adding the challenge of stairs to thetraditional walking route. During Step Up, participants went on a "climbingtour" of the City of Brotherly Love. As participants -- better known as"climbers" -- walked 10 miles, they climbed 25 staircases (1,000 steps) andwere supported by Step Up Volunteers ("SUVs") every step of the way.
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After beginning at Temple University's Liacouras Center, climbersjourneyed down Broad Street to historic Franklin Square Park. Further into thecourse, they strolled to City Hall, where they braved the 152 steps locatedinside the building before making their way to the well-known PhiladelphiaMuseum of Art (of Rocky fame). After conquering the Rocky steps, climbersheaded back to the Liacouras Center, where they were greeted by a cheeringcrowd of family, friends and fellow climbers ready to celebrate their success.
"Diabetes is the fastest-growing disease in America and the incidence ofthe disease is four percent higher in Philadelphia than the national average,"said American Diabetes Association CEO Larry Hausner. "Our hope is that StepUp can spread awareness about diabetes and raise money for a cure."
Southeastern Pennsylvania Leadership Chair Barry White participated in theevent as a climber. "Today, I was joined by supporters from across the nation.Our goal was to climb 1,000 stairs to fight diabetes and we did it! Each stepbrought us closer to finding a cure," said White.
Funds raised at Step Up to Fight Diabetes support the American DiabetesAssociation's mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives ofall people affected by diabetes.
Step Up to Fight Diabetes will return to Philadelphia on October 18, 2008.For more information or to register, please call the Step Up office at610-828-5003.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in America; nearly 21 millionchildren and adults have diabetes in the U.S., and another 54 million are onthe verge of developing the disease. If current trends continue, one out ofevery three children, and one out of every two minority children, will bediagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime. Each day, approximately 4,110people are diagnosed with diabetes, and 613 people die from the disease.Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. While not all types ofdiabetes are preventable, we can improve the lives of those who have thedisease while searching for a cure. Diabetes does not stop at diagnosis and a
treatment regimen. It can cause many complications, including stroke, kidneyfailure, heart disease and amputation.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading 501(C)3nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information andadvocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programsin all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds ofcommunities. The mission of the Association is to prevent and cure diabetesand to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. To fulfill thismission, the American Diabetes Association funds research, publishesscientific findings, provides information and other services to people withdiabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. The Associationis also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for therigh
