Walk Draws Attention To Obesity
DETROIT (WWJ) - Hundreds of people are gathering Saturday morning in memory of a local teen who died from complications of obesity.
"The Get Fit For Change, Walk Against Childhood Obesity" is held in memory of 17-year old Tinnay White of Detroit, who died a couple of years ago of a massive heart attack while at the dinner table.
Sharon Dumas-Pugh, who organized of the walk, is founder of the non-profit "Full and Fabulous" organization. Full and Fabulous provides educational and emotional support through programs for plus size women and teens in the area.
Dumas-Pugh remembers when White joined her program, obese at the tender age of 11-years-old.
Dumas-Pugh believes White's death is, unfortunately, not that uncommon. She hopes the walk will bring attention to a greater cause.
"[Her parents] did not know she had sleep apnea. She actually had a massive heart attack," Dumas-Pugh said. "When she passed away at age 17 she weighed over 300 pounds. One year later, on the same day, her mother passed away, from grief I'm sure, and obesity. Her dad just passed away this past November with diabetes."
Dumas-Pugh said she made a promise to White's father before he passed:
"That I would keep his daughter's legacy alive by making sure I educate parents on the importance of making healthy choices," she said.
Festivities for the "The Get Fit For Change" walk will begin at 8:30 am on Saturday, April 30. The 5k walk itself begins at 9:00 am, and will start at the DoubleTree Hotel in Detroit (5801 Southfield Expressway).
