Inaugural Walk to Cure Diabetes slated for Sept. 13

Alpena's first Walk to Cure Diabetes is scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Alpena Heritage Walk Path beginning at 10 a.m. The walk is 1.5 miles long and will begin and end at the Fletcher Street Brewery. Walk committee member Marcy Nunneley said the event is put on by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which is dedicated to finding a cure for the disease.

The walk is one step toward having a support group for area families dealing with the effects of diabetes, Nunnely said. There is little support for parents and families that have to cope with diabetes in Northeast Michigan.

She said there are over 40 students at Alpena Public Schools with diabetes and her daughter is one of them.

"What we would like to do with this walk, was kind of a step in the direction of having support services for families up in this area, and that's kind of what we're gearing towards," she said.

Nunneley said bringing up support groups in this area brings an awareness of diabetes.

"Not only are we talking 40 children at Alpena Public Schools, but there are many, many adults in this area with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes," she said.

There are currently 15-18 teams registered for the event. There is no registration fee to participate in the walk and people can register at the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.

This year's goal is set at $20,000, and hopes are that the amount will increase as the walk continues in the years to come. Walkers will raise the money and turn it in during registration. Each walker can register individually, or a team captain can bring the registration in.

The walk already has many area sponsors, including WBKB, WATZ, True North Radio Network, The Fletcher Street Brewery, Big D's Pizza, and Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op. If a person raises more than $100 they will get a T-shirt. Photos will be provided to each team, and food and beverages will also be available.

JDRF provides more funding to type 1 diabetes research world wide than any other charity. The foundation is responsible for over $1.16 billion in direct funding since it was founded in 1970.

There will be a variety of booths at the walk, including some pharmaceutical companies, and a booth with children's activities. There will also be a table at the event for those interested in joining a support group for those affected by diabetes.

If interested in registering a team, call Marcy Nunneley at 464-5078 or register online at www.jdrf.org.

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.