The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host its annual Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes Oct. 2 with walks scheduled on the Chicago Lakefront, as well as Libertyville, Schaumburg, Palos Hills, Peoria and Lisle.
The walk goal is to raise a total of $5 million in support of research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
JDRF is the world’s largest charitable funder and advocate of Type 1 diabetes research.
In 2010, they funded more than $107 million to diabetes research, and are responsible for more than $1.5 billion in direct funding since it was founded.
Illinois is the largest of 80 JDRF chapters around the world.
JDRF is encouraging all Peoria community members to participate in the walk Oct. 2 at Glen Oak Park, Peoria.
Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 1 p.m. at the Glen Oak Ampitheater.
As many as 3 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, a disease which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes carries the constant threat of deadly complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation.
For 32 years, Ron Santo led the walk with a strong and emphatic voice. He helped generate more than $60 million since the walk’s first steps and made it a spirited and successful annual tradition. JDRF wants to make this year the best yet — in honor of Ron.
Go to www.walk.jdrf.org to register.
