Step Out Walk Celebrates People With Diabetes

DENVER (CBS4) Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. 316,000 Coloradans have the disease. Another 86 million people have pre-diabetes, which means they're likely to develop the disease within 6 years.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is working to stop diabetes, through research, education, and services. You can support the ADA by participating in the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. The 5K walk and officially-timed 10K run attract about 2,000 people and raise nearly $325,000 for the organization.

"It's family Friendly, stroller friendly, and dog friendly," said Robyn Harmon, the Committee Chair for the walk.

At the end of the walk there is a huge festival with food vendors, a kids zone, and information about diabetes.

"We encourage the entire community to come out and really partake in this event. It's an opportunity to celebrate people who have diabetes and really support them. And it's an opportunity to learn about diabetes and pre-diabetes," Harmon added.

The Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes raises money that goes to 11 Colorado researchers who are working to find a cure for the disease. It supports Camp Colorado, which is a sleep-away camp for kids with diabetes.

"It also supports the Diabetes EXPO, which each year we have about 6,000 Coloradans who come and take the opportunity to learn about free resources on healthy living and diabetes management," Harmon explained.

Walkers and runners with diabetes wear special red jerseys to set them apart from everyone else. They're called Red Striders, and events like the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes are designed to celebrate them and the struggle they face every day to keep their body's healthy.

LINK: Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes

--Written for CBSDenver.com by Special Projects Producer Libby Smith