Peggy is Why We Walk!
Hi Friend,
Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes isn’t just a walking and fundraising event. It’s a chance for Red Striders (walkers with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes) and those who love them to come together. Red Striders are why we walk! To help remind us why we do what we do, I am thrilled to introduce you to Peggy.
I have been living well with type 1 diabetes for more than 37 years and have been pumping insulin for more than 30 years. I not only live with diabetes, but I work with children, adolescents and their families who have diabetes. A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Sometimes I imagine what my life would be like without having the daily responsibility of diabetes.
I think how great it would be to not have to worry so much about perfect carb counting and what it would be like to eat and not have to bolus.
I am concerned about diabetes risks and complications and think it would be fabulous if I didn’t have to worry so much!
I walk to increase diabetes awareness and wellness….
I walk to help raise funds for diabetes research in the hope of a cure…..
I walk on behalf of diabetes advocacy….
I walk for all those individuals who cannot walk because of diabetes related amputations….
I walk to be with those individuals who care about diabetes…..
And I thank everyone who has supported me throughout the journey.
PEGGY IS WHY WE WALK!
When you see a Red Strider at the Step Out event (they generally have a Red Strider hat on), be sure you yell, “Go Red Strider!” to show your support!
You can support Peggy's fundraising efforts by clicking HERE
Share your story! Do you have a story about why you Step Out? Send it to Nicole Hartner at nhartner@diabetes.org along with a photo for inclusion in a future "Why We Walk Wednesday!"
This year for our 75th Anniversary, the Long Island American Diabetes Association has been challenged to get 75 CHAMPIONS to Stop Diabetes from our Step Out Walk. I am certain we can achieve this goal, but not without the efforts of YOU! David Coughlin has set his goal to be a Champion!!! And you can, too!!!
Those walkers who raise $1000 or more are Champions to Stop Diabetes. Anyone can become a Champion and the impact they make are felt far and wide!
Champions help the American Diabetes Association to; train school personnel to keep children with diabetes safe at school, provide assistance to individuals who are being discriminated against because of their diabetes, provide support to people who are newly diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and so much more. In short funds raised by Champions are directly impact some of our most important work.
How Can I Become a Champion?
You too can join the ranks of this important group of walkers!
- Set your goal at $1,000 or more.
- Tell everyone you know you are ‘Striving to be Champion’ and that you need their support. You can even use pre-written email templates in your Step Out Center that asks others to help you become a Champion!
- Thank your donors, ask others to support you, and watch your thermometer grow!
Celebrate becoming a Champion to Stop Diabetes with special recognition at our event, including your own tent for registration, exclusive Champion event day shirt, special event day goodie bag, and more!!!