This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Step up and step out
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
It is 6 p.m. on a Thursday, and although it has been a long day, I am not yet heading home. Once a month, I trek to the American Diabetes Association’s San Diego office to help plan the Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes. The event is one of the organization’s two signature fundraisers, along with the Tour de Cure.
If I could select only one word to describe the walk, it would be “energy.” There is an awe-inspiring amount of enthusiasm among the estimated 1,500 participants. Walking as a team or individually, participants turn out on an early Saturday morning in San Diego, as well as in 150 such gatherings across the nation.
The walks raise more than $20 million each year. More than 75 cents of each dollar goes directly to crucial areas: patient education efforts, funding for area research projects, advocacy and a diabetes camp for children — Camp Wana Kura.
At the walks, those with diabetes, whether type 1, type 2 or gestational, are honored and recognized as VIPs, also known as Red Striders. Beyond the facts and figures, meeting the people who are the driving force behind these events helps you get a better sense of what makes this walk special.
As the entertainment chair on the planning committee for the San Diego walk, my tasks include finding and asking folks — a DJ, magician, face painters, dancers and others — to donate their talents and time. It has been inspiring to meet other dedicated people who light up with excitement as we share ideas or a small victory in securing a sponsor; the enthusiasm is palpable and contagious.
|
|
Even more uplifting is Roberto Lopez’s story, an active, bright 9-year-old who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 years. “I’m glad to be able to feel like a regular kid, not different,” Roberto said at the recent Step Out kickoff party for Camp Wana Kura.
His mother, Iliana Lopez, said, “In a day, our lives changed quickly. From carrying a diaper bag full of toys and baby wipes, we switched to a bag packed with juices, glucose tablets, a glucometer, test strips, syringes and insulin. We carry that backpack everywhere we go — basketball games, swimming pools, practices, birthday parties, vacations, I really mean everywhere.
“From just getting up and going out spontaneously, we now had to plan and check times and schedules around [Roberto’s] insulin regimen. From eating wherever, we switched to planned meals. We have lost track of how many times we have poked Roberto’s fingers, how many shots we have given him for the last 7 years. We have had to bargain into switching something high in carbs for something low in carbs because he couldn’t have it at that moment.
“This is just a part of our daily routine. These camps continuously allow Roberto, along with all the participants, to mix and mingle; share their everyday challenges; and see that they can continue to lead a successful life. We treasure the moments where Roberto can be just a child without feeling he is the only one caring for his health. As a family, we thank the American Diabetes Association for sponsoring these opportunities for the children.”
Lopez said Roberto raised $1,000 in 1 month by collecting and recycling bottles and cans. He left notes on his neighbors’ doors, saying he would stop by every Tuesday to pick up their bottles and cans. One neighbor offered several large bags of recyclables, saying, “You can use these more.”
The Lopez family provided an eloquent voice as to why all of the volunteers pour their hearts into months of planning and fundraising. At the close of their comments, the crowd erupted into applause and I saw more than one person dab at his or her eyes.
If Roberto can do this — without a cell phone full of contacts or an office — imagine what we can all do. I call on each of you to get involved. Gather your family, friends and colleagues, and join a team or form one. Or, sign up for your local Step Out Walk or Tour de Cure planning committee.
I am confident that you will feel a deep sense of fulfillment and pride that is as priceless as it is abiding. Get out into the community, jump online, lace up your sneakers and change the world, one step at a time — not only for Roberto but also for each of the 23.6 million Americans who are living with diabetes.
For more information visit: Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes
Edward C. Chao, DO, is assistant clinical professor of medicine at University of California, San Diego, and staff physician at VA Medical Center, San Diego.
Editor’s Note:
- The author would like to thank Iliana and Renato Lopez, the parents of Roberto, who gave their permission to share their story.