Kari Rosenfeld’s daughter, Clare, was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes when she was only seven years old. To find support and to help combat this rising epidemic, Rosenfeld and her family began to participate in the America’s Walk for Diabetes event.
Now, eight years later, they are among more than 700 walkers who are gathering at Alton Baker Park on Saturday to raise money and awareness for the American Diabetes Association.
“When one member of a family gets it, the whole family gets it,” Rosenfeld said.
Bob Quintero, the Volunteer Chairperson of the five-mile walk, said the Eugene community is a huge supporter of the event. Last year, Eugene had the biggest event in Oregon.
“Diabetes is a growing problem in the U.S.,” Quintero said. “There is definitely a need for money to support research and outreach programs.”
The walk is a big event nationwide, with 300 cities participating each year, Quintero said.
“Though there are some smaller fundraisers, this is the big one,” he said.
The fundraising goal for this year is $125,000, though this may be shooting too high, said ADA District Manager Cindy Benton. Since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, she said, people are donating to the relief efforts instead of local charities.
But despite this, Benton said the Eugene business community has been more than supportive, donating everything from money to food for the volunteers.
“Eugene businesses have been great,” she said. “I think many of them wish they could donate more.”
Several business and area organizations have groups, or teams, participating in the walk, including the Papé Group and the University.
University professor Theresa O’Nell is a team captain for a group of four faculty members and four graduate students. O’Nell’s mother was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 10 years ago, something she said influenced her decision to participate in the event.
“(Diabetes) is a really important part of life, unfortunately,” she said. “I’m also a medical anthropology professor, so it’s important to my work as well.”
O’Nell’s group has raised $500 for the walk, thanks to the support of the University faculty. She said 95 percent of the faculty is either walking or has donated money to the fundraiser. The Knight Library and the University Health Center also have groups walking in the event.
Rosenfeld sees this fundraiser as not only a way to help the 16 million Americans who have diabetes, but also as a way for people to help others in a time of national grieving.
“People are looking for a way to do something for humanity,” Rosenfeld said. “This is a wonderful way to help all of humanity.”
America’s Walk for Diabetes will begin at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Benton said people are welcome to sign up on Saturday morning but must be prepared to raise at least $75 by Oct. 19.
Lindsay Buchele is the community editor for the Oregon Daily Emerald. She can be reached at [email protected]