This Oct. 11, thousands of people in communities across the Santa Clarita Valley will join millions in the fight to Stop Diabetes by participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Over the course of the next few weeks, over 90 teams, families, and walking groups are coming together to prepare for the big day, and are beginning to raise funds that are critical to changing the future of the disease. Last year, more than 1,200 walkers raised nearly $200,000 to support the Association’s mission.

Walking is one of the best methods of exercise and helps control blood glucosethe main sugar found in the blood and the body’s main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.X levels and improves overall quality of life. Step Out is a walk that allows everyone to participate regardless of mobility or fitness level. With route options ranging from one to six miles, participants can walk as an individual or create a team and walk with friends, family and co-workers.  There are all different types and sizes of teams at the Step Out events.  Corporate teams, family teams, school teams, as well as clubs and organizations, are all welcome to participate.

As part of Step Out, the Association is also looking for Red Striders to join in the events.  A Red Strider is someone living with diabetes participating in Step Out—putting a face on this serious disease and helping others understand what it takes to live with, and fight, diabetes.

“Step Out is a great event where communities across the country join together in a fun environment to help Stop Diabetes, and every step and every dollar is bringing us closer to ending the disease,” said Shane Spence, Walk Chairperson for the American Diabetes Association and Manager of Walgreens.  “Walking side by side with Red Striders is a powerful experience and we enjoy meeting new friends along the way.”

Today, there are nearly 30 million Americans who are currently living with diabetes. While an estimated 21 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 8.1 million people are unaware that they have the disease.  If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

To register, volunteer or find out more information, contact Lori Blumenthal at lblumenthal@daibetes.org or 323.966.2890 ext. 7413. You can also visit diabetes.org/valencia. Together we can Stop Diabetes. One step at a time.

Mann Biomedical Park – 25141 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia

Registration Opens: 8:00 a.m.

Walk Program/Starts: 9:00 a.m.

Walk Route: 4 mile route through Valencia.

Click HERE for the Route Map.