Santa Clarita Residents Will "Step Out" to Help Fight Diabetes

Santa Clarita residents will be joining together on September 30th to walk in support of finding a cure for diabetes. It is estimated that there are over 20,000 people living in Santa Clarita alone that have diabetes. Local sponsors of the fundraising walk are the Mannkind Corporation, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Newhall Land and Farm, and Mann Biomedical.

On Sunday, September 30th participants will gather at the Bridgeport Park on Newhall Ranch Road. The walk is a 5 mile route that will take walkers through the beautiful Bridgeport Park and along the San Francisquito Creek. There will be rest stops available, with water donated by Culligan, and snacks will also be available for all the walkers.
The Hyatt Valencia will be providing breakfast for the participating walkers. Lunch will be provided by several local restaurants including Outback Steakhouse, Chipolte, and Johnny Pacific. There will be music provided by Star 98.7 radio, and by The Drop Zone band. A raffle and silent auction complete the worthy fundraising event!

Walkers can form teams with family and friends, or co-workers. The goal is for each walker to raise $150, and prizes will be awarded for funds raised. The American Diabetes Association's Step Out to Fight Diabetes Fundraiser is designed to not only raise much needed funds for research, education and advocacy, but the event also brings awareness to diabetes prevention. There are about 5 million people who have diabetes and do not know it. Symptoms of diabetes can include extreme thirst, frequent urination and/or unexplained weight loss.

Matt Stokes is a dedicated volunteer committed to finding a cure for diabetes, and is the Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Council Chair for the American Diabetes Association. Matt has stated, "Diabetes is a life threatening disease. There are more than 20.8 million people in the United States and nearly 200 million worldwide who are suffering from diabetes. If the current trend continues one in three Americans born in the year 2000 or later ill eventually be diagnosed with this chronic disease."

About 80% of every dollar raised through the Walk will directly benefit research, advocacy, and public awareness. The American Diabetes Association has contributed more than $150 million dollars towards finding a cure for diabetes. The mission of The American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

For more information, please call 661-295-0081, or email iblumenthal@diabetes.org or visit www.diabetes.org/stepout.