Our Valley Santa Clarita July/August 2016 | Page 21

Be a Champion of Change
for the 2016 Step Out:
Walk to Stop Diabetes
By Laura Kirchhoff, American Diabetes Association

T

eams are now forming for
the 2016 Step Out: Walk to
Stop Diabetes, the one-day
signature fundraising walk
benefiting the American Diabetes Association on Saturday, Nov.
5, 2016 at Six Flags Magic Mountain located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. 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.
Participants are changing the future
and making a positive impact in the
lives of those affected by diabetes. Become a team captain and inspire others to become Step Out participants.
Whether physical walkers or virtual
supporters, your team will raise money in this inspirational event not only
because nearly 30 million people in
the United States have diabetes, but
because everyone more than likely
knows someone who is living with the
everyday challenges of this disease.
Public health officials estimate that
nearly 10% of adults in Los Angeles
County have diabetes. Researchers in a
recent UCLA health study found an additional 46% of California adults have
pre-diabetes, a condition in which
blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher
than normal but not high enough to
be considered diabetic. Early intervention via lifestyle changes, such as
weight loss and increased physical
activity, can help delay or prevent the

onset of Type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes is a devastating disease that
touches us all,” said Cassie Shafer, region vice president of the Southern
California Region. “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.”
This year, more than 4,000 area residents will come together to be part
of the Stop Diabetes® movement during the walk at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We need your help to achieve our
goals!
Once you register, you’ll be given your
very own Step Out Center webpage
with access to lots of tools to help
fundraise. You’ll be able to customize
the page with your reason for walking,
send emails to ask others to join you or
donate, and even download Facebook
and Smartphone apps for online fundraising ease. And, of course, your Step
Out specialists (Association staff ) will
be here to help all along the way!
There is no fundraising minimum to
participate, but there are perks available at various fundraising levels.
Raise a minimum of $100 and receive
an event t-shirt and a FREE ticket to Six
Flags Magic Mountain to be used on
the day of the event. Register at www.
diabetes.org/StepOutMagicMountain.
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 once and
for all.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN
DIABETES ASSOCIATION
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.

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