More than 1,200 people took part in the American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out: Walk to Step Out Diabetes” in Genesee Valley Park on Sunday, Oct. 16. Participants walked a 5k loop around the park and the University of Rochester, raising money to support the ADA’s mission of preventing and curing diabetes.
“We’re here to get the community to support and get attention,” said Joe Stankaitis, president of the ADA board. “The goal was to raise $150,000— and I believe we are well ahead of that now.”
After a week of rain, walkers were lucky to spend the day in the sunshine and enjoy everything the ADA had to offer— including lunch and performances by Cut-Off acapella group and Half Ton Horns.
“The walk is such a wonderful event for friends and co-workers to come together and help change the future of diabetes,” said Travis Helder, executive director of the Rochester branch of the American Diabetes Association. “The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless.”
Funds from the walk will go to helping the 26 million Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes, as well as supporting ADA programs in Rochester— such as Camp Aspire, the only residential summer camp for the kids with the disease, and other services for diabetics in the Rochester area.?
