Affirming Life -- a Step At a Time: American Diabetes Association Dedicates America's Walk for Diabetes 2001.

News Editors/Health & Medical Writers

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 14, 2001

Thousands of Northern California friends, neighbors and co-workers will be joining with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) this fall in a display of community solidarity by dedicating this year's America's Walk for Diabetes 2001 to affirming life, one step at a time.

The Walks, presented by Kaiser Permanente, will begin with Sacramento and Daly City setting the pace this Saturday, September 15, with San Ramon joining in on September 22. The Modesto walkers will step out on September 29, followed by Fresno, Oakland and Santa Cruz on October 6. Palo Alto will round out Northern California's participation on October 7.

While raising much-needed funds for research, education and community outreach programs, the Walks will also emphasize appreciation for the small details of life that we often overlook in our fast-paced, hectic days. Working together to battle a disease, learning how to maintain our health, and improving the quality of life through diabetes awareness will underscore the day's activities.

Walkers are encouraged to form teams with friends, family or co-workers. The goal is for each walker to raise $150, with prizes awarded for funds raised at increasing levels, including gift certificates to Williams-Sonoma, parkas, sweatshirts and t-shirts. All walk participants will be treated to lunch, music, entertainment and other festivities at the finish lines.

This will be the second year that Kaiser Permanente has teamed with The American Diabetes Association to present America's Walk for Diabetes throughout California. Last year, Kaiser Permanente's 5,000 walkers raised $266,000 by participating in 15 of the 19 walks across the state, making this the largest team in the history of the Walk.

Bob Henry, MD, President of the American Diabetes Association, Western Region adds, "This partnership means that many more resources can be devoted to finding a cure for diabetes and raising awareness of how to manage this disease."

Diabetes is a serious, life-threatening and incurable disease that can lead to loss of life or complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations if untreated. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. This year alone, diabetes will kill almost 200,000 people nationwide.

Nearly 16 million Americans, 2 million in California, have diabetes. Diabetes strikes one in 20 people in the general population, and African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans are two to three times more likely to be affected. One in every four African American woman over the age of 55 has diabetes. More than one-third of those with diabetes are undiagnosed.

About 80 percent of every dollar raised through the Walk will directly benefit research and educational programs. The American Diabetes Association has contributed more than $150 million towards finding a cure for diabetes.

For more information about America's Walk for Diabetes 2001, call 1-888 DIABETES (342-2383), or the local American Diabetes Association office at 800-828-8293 or visit the ADA's website at www.diabetes.org/walk.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization concerned with diabetes and its complications. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services in communities nationwide. The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Kaiser Permanente, California, is a prepaid, group practice health maintenance organization (HMO) serving more than 6.1 million members throughout the state. More than 7,400 Permanente medical group physicians in both The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) in Northern California and the Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG), as well as 55,300 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals employees, provide care to Health Plan members. There are 27 major medical centers organized into 12 service areas throughout California.

Editor's Note: Complete list of America's Walk for Diabetes 2001 Locations and Dates is attached.

Date                       Location

9/15/01                    Orange County/Fountain Valley
9/15/01                    Sacramento
9/15/01                    San Francisco
9/22/01                    San Ramon
9/29/01                    Riverside
9/29/01                    Modesto
9/30/01                    Pasadena
9/30/01                    Redondo Beach/South Bay
9/30/01                    San Fernando
9/30/01                    Santa Clarita
10/06/01                   San Diego
10/06/01                   Santa Cruz
10/06/01                   Oakland
10/06/01                   Fresno
10/07/01                   El Centro
10/07/01                   Carlsbad
10/07/01                   Palo Alto
10/20/01                   Upland
10/20/01                   Santa Maria