The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Raises $1.9 Million at the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 10,000 people participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Georgia Chapter's Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising more than $1.9 million. The proceeds from this extraordinary event go towards research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) led the fundraising efforts as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising a total of $73,000 - $55,000 from the BCBSGa Foundation and more than $18,000 raised by BCBSGa associates. "Diabetes remains an epidemic in our country, and unfortunately there is a strong likelihood that we all know someone impacted by this disease," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. "This is certainly true for me, and for many of our 3,000 employees and 2.5 million members in Georgia, which is why we continue to support JDRF."

This event brought together hundreds of corporate, family and school teams, made up of thousands of people, who walked in support of finding a cure for diabetes. After the 5K everyone enjoyed a fun afternoon of games and live entertainment from local performers including Gym South, Sole Momentum and Lost City. Charlie Kimball, the only licensed driver with diabetes in the Indy Racing League, also showed his support by shaking hands and signing autographs for fans of all ages.

"We thank all of our corporate sponsors and volunteers for their hard work and support of the Walk to Cure Diabetes," said JDRF Georgia Chapter Executive Director, Clanci Jordan. "Due to the millions of dollars raised at the annual walks JDRF is able to fund the most promising science that will accelerate progress toward new treatments, and eventually a cure."

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is the fastest growing fund raising event in the history of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Today walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $90 million to cure diabetes.

For information on how to get involved in the 2011 Walk to Cure Diabetes visit http://jdrfgeorgia.org/ or call 404-420-5990.

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2010 Give Thanks. Walk. for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The 2010 Give thanks. Walk.™ will be held at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, November 20 at 7am. Register today and join fellow St. Jude supporters in more than 60 communities across the country for this 5K walk and help raise money for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Registration for this family-friendly walk is completely free! Form walk teams with your friends, family and co-workers, as well as recruit sponsors to make donations in support of your efforts and the groundbreaking work done at St. Jude. Register today at www.givethankswalk.org and take the first step and help give hope to St. Jude patients.

Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS on November 6

Join Jenny and Team DeMario for the walk to defeat ALS on November 6, 2010 at Centennial Park in Atlanta, GA. As ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), hits close to home for Jenny, it affects many people each year in the United States and all over the world.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells. Those with ALS lose the ability to control their voluntary muscles. The disease makes it difficult for people to swallow, speak, walk and breathe. Every 90 minutes, a person is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone loses the battle to the disease.

This walk was started by Jenny and her family in loving memory of her father. This will be the 3rd year that they will do the walk for ALS. This is an incredible opportunity to support those who are affected by ALS, raise money for the cause spread awareness, and ultimately find a cure for this crippling and fatal disease.

For more information about Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS or information on sponsoring the event, please visit:
http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/Georgia?px=2764083&pg=personal&fr_id=6581

Find Jenny's Walk on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JennysWalkToDefeatALS

This event is proudly sponsored by Klik Marketing.

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Fall Back 5K Run/Walk to Benefit the Cancer Support Community

Sunday, November 7, 2010
2:00 pm - 5K Run
2:45 pm - 1 Mile Walk
3:45 pm - Tot Trot

Concourse Athletic Club
8 Concourse Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30328

Entry fee: $20 if received by November 1
$25 if received after Nov. 1 and on day of race

The Cancer Support Community (formerly The Wellness Community) will hold the fourth annual "Fall Back 5K Run/Walk" at the Concourse Athletic Club, corner Hammond Drive and Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Proceeds will benefit the Cancer Support Community which provides free support and education classes for cancer patients and their loved ones. Register at: www.fallback5k.kintera.org. Free Moonwalk and food from Sweet Tomatoes. Registered runners get a long sleeved T-shirt.

For more information about the Cancer Support Community's support and educational programs, please call 404-843-1880 or visit www.cscatlanta.org.
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2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes: JDRF Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ga. Need Your Help

/PRNewswire/ -- As the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) largest and most successful event, the Walk to Cure Diabetes brings together corporations, families, friends and schools to walk three miles in support of the three million Americans living with type 1 diabetes. This year's event will take place Saturday, October 16, at Centennial Olympic Park and Sunday, October 17, at Johns Creek Technology Park.

For the second year in a row Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) will team up with JDRF as the Presenting Partner of the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes. "JDRF is immensely appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "With the support of our partners, the 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes is expected to once again exceed $2 million dollars to bring us one step closer to the ultimate finish line-a cure for type 1 diabetes."

"It was important for us to sponsor the Walk to Cure Diabetes again this year," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities, and JDRF helps us in achieving this mission."

There is still time for additional companies to become a part of the Walk to Cure Diabetes and help find a cure for the more than 400,000 Georgians living with this disease. JDRF will host a Corporate Recruitment Breakfast at the Buckhead Club on Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 7:15 a.m. For more information on this opportunity or to attend, call 770-395-5957.

Additional Partners of the JDRF Georgia Chapter Walk to Cure Diabetes include, Aflac, AGL Resources, Belk, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Crunchmaster, Delta Air Lines, Geico, Medtronic, Mohawk, Novo Nordisk, Siemens Energy and Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes National Sponsors are: Advance Auto Parts, Delta, Ford Motor Company, LifeScan, Marshalls, Turner and Walgreens.

For further information on JDRF or the Walk to Cure Diabetes visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org or call Angie Hammond at 770-395-5957.

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Baseball Legend Hank Aaron Walks in Arthritis Walk- Atlanta to Raise Awareness of Osteoarthritis

/PRNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation, Southeast Region, Georgia Office announced today that baseball legend Hank Aaron will be participating in the Arthritis Walk-Atlanta on Saturday, May 22nd. Hank will be walking with local members of "Team Hank" to encourage the millions of people suffering with osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain to take action now and to talk to their doctor about treatment options.

Hank Aaron, who won legions of fans by breaking countless records while never being on the disabled list in his 23 year career, found himself dealing with knee pain once he retired. He was diagnosed with knee OA, and over the years his knee pain increased to the point that he even had trouble walking short distances. As someone who had been physically fit his whole life, Hank was determined to find a way to relieve the pain. Hank talked to his doctor and found a treatment that works for him.

"The reason I will be walking in the Arthritis Walk is because I don't want people with arthritis to give up. I want them to understand that there is still hope out there for them, and to go to their doctor for advice," said Hank Aaron.

Hank is encouraging Georgians to join him and thousands of others who are affected by arthritis at the Arthritis Walk-Atlanta on Saturday, May 22nd and to support the fight against arthritis by joining www.teamhank.com.

For more information about Arthritis Walk-Atlanta, visit www.arthritiswalkatlanta.org.

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Football Great Matt Stinchcomb Will Serve as MC of 10th Annual FODAC Run, Walk 'n Roll in Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Former University of Georgia and NFL Offensive Tackle Matt Stinchcomb will MC the 10th annual Run, Walk 'n Roll, benefiting Atlanta's Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too (FODAC). Adults and children of all ability levels are invited to compete in a 5-mile run or a 2-mile walk and roll on Saturday, May 1 at Confederate Hall inside Stone Mountain Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the runs scheduled for 8:30 and 9 a.m.

"We're excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Run, Walk 'n Roll," said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. "Each participant either pays a $20 fee or commits to a minimum of $50 in pledges to raise money for our organization. Proceeds from the event are used to provide people who are mobility impaired with wheelchairs, medical supplies and other home medical equipment they might not be able to afford otherwise. We are especially thrilled that football star Matt Stinchcomb is going to be part of the event this year, and I want to invite everyone to come out to meet him and participate in the Run, Walk 'n Roll."

The event will include a continental breakfast and other refreshments, door prizes, silent auction and raffle, and will be held rain or shine. Prizes will be given to the fastest three runners, as well as the individual and group who raise the most money. Corporate sponsors include AM-750 WSB, Stone Mountain Park, Auction Management Corporation, AMS Vans, Tucker Concrete Co., Inc., Cotton Sates Insurance and Verity Compliance, Inc. To register, visit www.fodac.org. For directions, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

To date, FODAC has provided clients with over $60 million in medical equipment including over 20,000 wheelchairs. The organization is supported through grants and corporate and private donations.

"This is an easy and fun way for individuals, families or groups to spend a morning raising money for a worthwhile organization," said Brand. "Most of us have friends or family members who need mobility assistance at one time or another due to illness, aging or even an accident. We want to help as many people as possible improve the quality of their lives regardless of whether their mobility issues are temporary or permanent," he said.

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Track & Field Champion, Carl Brown Joins the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk to Keep You Moving This Holiday Season

/PRNewswire/ -- Get moving this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk events are a fun and festive way to bring in the holidays with family and friends. This annual event kicks off in November and aims to raise funds in the name of preventing, controlling and curing arthritis, all while encouraging daily physical activity for better health.

"Staying active through the winter months is imperative for both people with and without arthritis," said Carl Brown, U.S. Track and Field Champion, diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 36. "Moving just 30 minutes a day can ease joint pain, improve mobility, reduce fatigue, and even ward off those unwanted holiday pounds."

By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million people in the U.S. will be affected by arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million. Even more alarming is the fact that the prevalence of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through enjoyable physical activities such as walking.

To find the nearest Jingle Bell Run/Walk event contact the local Arthritis Foundation chapter or visit www.arthritis.org.

"The Jingle Bell Run/Walk event provides an opportunity to get people moving for a worthy cause," added Brown. "By participating in this event, I hope it encourages others to commit to daily physical activity and continue to move together throughout the year."

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.

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Over 7000 Attend Atlanta Partnership Run/Walk to Help End Global Poverty

Students from JC Booth Middle School in Fayette County participated in the run.

Over 7000 participated in the Atlanta Partnership Run/Walk to demonstrate their support for ending global poverty. Partnership Walk, now in its 15th year, is an event held annually in major cities across the U.S. The Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds to alleviate global poverty and promote partnership between America and the developing world. Nationwide, over 30,000 are expected to participate in the Walk in nine cities, including Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Orlando and San Francisco. Visit www.PartnershipsInAction.org/walk.

The Run/Walk brought together families, friends, students and leaders in government, business, media and the arts for a day of learning activities, fundraising and culturally diverse performances. Approximately $1,000,000 was raised at today’s charity event to expand opportunities for impoverished communities in Asia and Africa. 100% of funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to the projects supported by the Foundation. The cost of organizing the Run/Walk is completely underwritten by AKF USA and in-kind contributors. No contributions are used for administrative costs. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction events have attracted over 280,000 participants, raising $32 million.

The 2009 Atlanta Partnership Run/Walk was held at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. In addition to the traditional 1K Walk, Partnership Run/Walk featured its first ever 5K Run/Walk, 1K Run for children ages 7-13 and 100-yard Run for children 6 and under. Participants walked or ran to demonstrate their solidarity and commitment for helping the less fortunate in some of the poorest regions of the world lift themselves out of poverty.

The event featured celebrities and distinguished guests, along with entertainment celebrating the diversity of world cultures. Special guests included Dikembe Motumbo, Chair and President of Dikembe Motumbo Foundation and NBA All-Star of the Houston Rockets. Other dignitaries included Melvin Everson, Georgia State Representative; Jerry Oberholtzer, Mayor of Snellville; and Gwen Desselle, Georgia State Teacher of the Year. The lively stage program was hosted by media celebrities Suchita Vadlamani of Fox 5 “Good Day Atlanta.”

Below are comments made by the guest speakers:
Dikembe Motumbo in reminding us of our responsibility towards the less fortunate said, “When you take the elevator to go up you always gotta make sure to send that elevator back down because there are people who need that same elevator you took to come up.”

Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer presented a key to the City of Snellville to AKF U.S.A. CEO Iqbal Noorali. In his address he stressed the need of people to be involved in a worthwhile cause to build a better and closer community.

Melvin Everson, Georgia State Representative has been impressed with the works of AKF of helping to stamp out global poverty. He said that,” AKF is doing an exceptional job in bringing the cause in front of the people and I support its cause.”

Gwen Desselle, Georgia State Teacher of the Year reminded to the participants that ,”You’re here because you believe that we can make a difference, you’re here because you believe that we can eradicate the problems that plaque society and most of those problems stem from poverty, problems such as illiteracy problems such as hunger. We who are more fortunate have an obligation, we have a duty to help out brothers and sisters by extending to them education by extending to them encouragement and you know that is something the Aga Khan Foundation has been doing for the last 25 years.”

Iqbal Noorali, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A in his address to mentioned that Poverty is the main cause of instability in the world but we have to be partners in relieving the poverty.

An agency of the Aga Khan Development Network

The 2009 theme for the Walk, “Education – The Universal Bridge” highlighted the impact of Aga Khan Foundation’s educational activities. Serving as a bridge to help individuals and communities build more productive, fulfilling and dignified lives, the Foundation’s educational activities span across a broad range of initiatives to help people in Asia and Africa reach their full potential, covering early childhood development, primary and secondary school improvement, and skills and management training for professionals, entrepreneurs and community members.

Aga Khan Foundation’s education programs bring to light the power of partnerships and reflect the Foundation’s enduring commitment to education. For over a quarter century, Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. has worked in the developing world in the areas of health, education, rural development, civil society and the environment. These efforts equip people with life-long skills to overcome poverty and embrace the time-tested principle of helping people to help themselves.

One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk was the Village in Action, where participants enjoyed interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that spotlighted how the Foundation is implementing creative solutions in poor regions from Afghanistan to Zanzibar with projects that promote quality education and health care, expand microcredit opportunities and improve incomes and agricultural productivity. Volunteers guided participants through the Village in Action to introduce the innovative ways that Aga Khan Foundation is alleviating hunger, disease and illiteracy.

AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), a network of private, non-denominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities. The overarching goal of the Network’s programs is to help poor communities achieve a level of self-reliance whereby they are able to plan their own futures. The Foundation presently supports over 100 programs in 18 countries for the common good of all citizens regardless of their gender, origin or religion. The geographic focus of the Foundation’s development programs is in East Africa and South and Central Asia.

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Fayette County Student Helps Others Through Fundraising

Pictured (l-r) are JC Booth Middle School Students Ashila Jiwani and Razeena Moosa.

Arshila Jiwani, a 13 year-old middle school student, raised over $2,000 to contribute to the funds raised at Atlanta Partnership Run/Walk that will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. On top of her extracurricular activities, Arshila developed ideas to raise money for Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) and reached out to fellow students like Rozina Mossa, Gohar Llalani and Simren Dhani for help with fundraising.

Arshila first began fundraising for the Partnership Run/Walk and reaching out to the community by passing out flyers at school and texting her friends information about the Foundation. With the help of her school principal, Ted Lombard, Arshila expanded her fundraising and outreach activities to organize candy fundraisers, position informational posters around the school, arrange student and teacher fundraising activities and speak on the school’s morning announcements, urging kids to participate in the Partnership Run/Walk and fundraising activities. Recently, Arshila expanded her fundraising efforts to local businesses including the Panda Express in Peachtree City and Bruster’s Ice Cream. At the Panda Express, Arshila was able to raise over $230 by asking the manager to donate 15% of the profits earned in one evening at the eatery to the Foundation.

100% of funds raised at Partnership Run/Walk go directly to the projects supported by the Foundation. The cost of organizing the Run/Walk is completely underwritten by AKF USA and in-kind contributors. No contributions are used for administrative costs. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction events have attracted over 280,000 participants, raising $32 million.

AKF USA, established in 1981, is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to alleviating poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. AKF USA is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), a network of private, non-denominational, development agencies around the world, established by His Highness the Aga Khan to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, improve living conditions and opportunities.

Last year, over 6,800 youth, families, businesses and community leaders participated in the 2008 Atlanta Partnership Walk, which raised over a million dollars for Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. projects in the developing world. Encourage your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to hit the pavement for the 2009 Partnership Run/Walk and show their support for ending global
poverty.

To register for the Partnership Run/Walk please visit http://www.PartnershipsInAction.org/5k

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Celebrity Link to Type 1 Diabetes Further Connects the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Georgia Chapter and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia

/PRNewswire/ -- For Laura Putnam and her children, this past Saturday night will be one to remember for a very long time. Thanks to the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA), a family from Columbus, GA had a brush with fame - an in-person meet-and-greet with the Jonas Brothers in Atlanta.

Putnam, a BCBSGA employee with two of her three children (Tommy, 11 and Lauren, 14) diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes, was chosen as the on-site JDRF Ambassador family for BCBSGA's efforts supporting the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Centennial Olympic Park on Oct. 17. When JDRF heard about the family's love for the Jonas Brothers, they went to work, securing them four tickets and a special chance to meet their idol, Nick Jonas, who is an active spokesperson for JDRF as he too is diagnosed and living with type 1 diabetes.

"The JDRF organization and BCBSGA have been there for us during our family's most difficult moments," said Laura Putnam. "Being able to attend the Jonas Brothers concert and meet them in person was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime gift for my children. Nick Jonas is so open about his diabetes and is such a role model for my kids - he encourages all children to be dedicated to their health, openly pursue their dreams and never let anything slow them down."

"JDRF is immensely appreciative of BCBSGA's continued participation," said Clanci Jordan, Executive Director. "This is corporate citizenship at its finest. BCBSGA's commitment enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type 1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."

More than 7,000 walkers representing local corporations, families, schools and other organizations are expected to participate in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta, where there will be live music, Moon Bounces, and a variety of food and entertainment. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. and the entire walk is approximately three miles long. The fundraising goal of the Walk is to realize more than $2 million for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. Local JDRF Walk Sponsors include: BCBSGA, Cisco, AT&T, Melvin S. Roos & Co., InterContinental Hotels Group and Delta Airlines.

"At BCBSGA, we choose to align with organizations that support our core health initiatives and have a track record for delivering on their promises, which ultimately result in a measurable affect on the community - JDRF does this and so much more," said Monye Connolly, President, BCBSGA. "It is our mission to have a direct impact on the well-being of the customers we serve and the overall health of our communities."

The Columbus walk on Oct. 3 will be host to approximately 1,000 walkers and is expected to raise $120,000. This year two new walks have been added in Georgia: a North Metro Atlanta Walk in the Johns Creek area will take place Oct. 4 and is anticipated to have 3,000 walkers raising $350,000; and in Augusta a new site will be host to the walk on Nov. 7.

In addition to wide-spread corporate support, entire families from kids to grandparents take part in the fundraising efforts of the Walk to Cure Diabetes - many are affected, but even those who are not among the 14 million Americans with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes participate. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Georgians living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The celebrity connection doesn't stop with Nick Jonas, actor Kevin Kline is the National Chair of JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes. Mr. Kline has been a celebrity JDRF advocate for the past four years.

"Those of us who are blessed with good health must do all we can to help support the research community in their search for a cure for juvenile diabetes," said Kevin Kline. "The daily regimen of finger pricks and injections of insulin, combined with the constant dread of complications, are burdens that no child should have to endure."

JDRF Walks are held in more than 200 cities worldwide. Nearly 500,000 people nationally walked last year and raised $94 million to cure diabetes.

JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes National Corporate Partners include: Advance Auto Parts, Albertsons, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Discover Financial Services, Ford Motor Company, Fresh Market, Lifescan, Marshalls, Old Orchard, UBS, Turner and Walgreens. Unite to Cure Diabetes partners are: Delta Air Lines, and Medtronic MiniMed.

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10 Year Old Zack Bonner Walking 280 Miles For Homeless

Zach Bonner joined dozens of friends and family Friday morning to stomp out one of the state's most recent growing statistics: homelessness. Bonner's goal is to raise awareness and $35,000 to help shelter at least one family. And he's not stopping until he's reached his goal. Friday, Bonner will begin a 30-day walk to raise $35,000 for those in need by walking from Tallahassee to Atlanta. It's the second straight year Bonner has walked more than 200 miles to raise awareness of homeless kids. Last year, Bonner walked from Tampa to Tallahassee.

"A lot of people look at it as too big of a problem to solve, but I think if we just take one kid at a time, and help just one kid at a time, we can solve the problem," said Zach.

Helping others is nothing new for Bonner. Despite his young age, he's already volunteered more than 2,000 hours. He's also started his own non-profit foundation called the Little Red Wagon Foundation, and he's donated money and items to the victims of Hurricanes Charley and Katrina.

"I think it's just something in him. I think he was just born with it. Different people have different talents and I think this [helping others] is just his talent," said Zach's mom Laurie Bonner.

Zach says he hopes to walk about 10 miles a day and will spend each night in an RV donated by Lazy Days RV Center in Seffner, Florida. You can follow Zach's progress during his walk by clicking his ZACKTRACKER Zach expects to arrive in Atlanta on November 17th, which is also his birthday."You can't really practice too much. I mean, there's no way you're gonna be able to do 280 miles and not get tired," said Bonner.

Zach, his mom Laurie Bonner, and his friend Dylan Danforth pushed forward. "It's really rewarding 'cause you get a really good feeling whenever you know that you can help somebody else," said Bonner. Those words from a 10-year-old, who has a keen sense of direction... at least when it comes to helping others. "At least we can call somebody and tell them to look it up on our website and tell us where we are," said Bonner.

In case you're wondering how this 10-year-old is able to ditch classes for several weeks, he said he's enrolled in a virtual school that allows him to take classes online and on the road.

You Go Zack !!!!

Mr. Diabetes(R) Hits 9,000 Mile Mark of 10,000+ Mile Walk to Raise Awareness About Diabetes

PRNewswire/ -- In rural Milledgeville, Georgia, 62 year old insulin-dependent Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes(R), completed mile 9,000 of his 10,000+ mile perimeter walk of the United States raising awareness about the disease that nearly took his life.

"I've hit milestones in San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and Washington DC, but small communities have the same rate of diabetes, only fewer resources to manage it. We can beat this disease locally, but it isn't going to happen on a national level. Unchecked, diabetes, which costs the U.S. $225 billion annually, will bankrupt our healthcare system," said Mandell.

Top diabetes researchers agree that a cure is at least 20 years away. The key to stopping diabetes is awareness and prevention through personal responsibility and lifestyle changes. Losing 10 - 15 pounds can make all the difference. Cut out fast food, snack foods and soda. Add 5-9 servings of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to your daily diet.

"Pursue a more active lifestyle, like walking. Begin with ten minutes a day and increase the time gradually. It's a great way for families to catch up and get healthier at the same time," says Mandell. "These simple steps can delay the onset of diabetes and will help minimize complications," Mandell concluded.

Before THE WALK(TM) began there wasn't nearly the focus about diabetes that exists today. Mandell believes his efforts have impacted diabetes. THE WALK(TM) has captured the imagination of the public and Mr. Diabetes(R) is living proof that diabetics are neither helpless nor hopeless.

About the Wake Up and Walk(R) Tour

Now in its 7th and final year, Mr. Diabetes(R) is the sole walker. You may have seen him walking state highways in his brightly colored safety vest and walking pole. He's walked through 33 states, crossed 100 major rivers, 4 time zones (twice!), and gone through 22 pairs of walking shoes. He has met one-on-one with over 60,000 individuals and received over 100 Proclamations by Senators, Congressmen, Governors and Mayors. Through appearances and meetings at hospitals, such as Loma Linda, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, schools, civic organizations, and the media he has reached over 65 million Americans. The Walk(R) continues through Florida before reaching the finish line in Madeira Beach, Florida in December of 2008.
For more information about diabetes, THE WALK(TM) and to make a tax-deductible donation: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/
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