Diabetes Walk to be conducted Oct. 30

Diabetes affects 23.6 million adults and children in the United States. There is no cure for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition that can have devastating complications. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults. People with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease and stroke, and are more likely to have problems with their teeth and gums. Type 1 diabetes, often called juvenile diabetes, affects young children and adults. Someone is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every hour.

A walk to raise awareness and funds to help search for a cure for diabetes will be held at Radio Springs Park, Saturday, Oct. 30.

The event is to begin at 8 a.m. with registration; walking is to begin at 9. From Radio Springs park, walkers will travel along College Street to Austin Boulevard, then east on Austin to Earp Park (at the northeast corner of Austin and South Adams), then return to Radio Springs Park via the same route.

Marjorie Cooke, who's helping to coordinate the event, said it's intended to be a leisurely walk, and totals about 2 miles. "Participants may rest and begin the return walk to Radio Springs at any point along the route," she noted.

Additional activities will be held at Radio Springs park, including health and fitness demonstrations and participation sessions, entertainment and a silent auction.

Donations for the silent auction may be left at the Alliance Mental Health Office, 100 S. Prewitt. Arrangements to have silent auction donations picked up may be made by calling (417) 667-7382.

Walkers turning in $50 in cash or check donations at registration will receive a free event T-shirt; and the individual or team turning in the highest donation amount will receive a free, refurbished computer and monitor, donated by Optimal HealthCare.

Walk participants can pick up information packets to collect donations at the offices of Alliance Mental Health, pr at KNEM/KNMO Radio Station, 414 E Walnut, Kountry Style Salon & Tanning, at the corner of Austin and Washington Streets.

All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.