'Walk for Diabetes' this weekend

The American Diabetes Association will host its sixth annual "Walk for Diabetes" tomorrow. The event will start at Memorial Stadium, where coordinators expect hundreds of students, families, children and adults to come and support the fight against diabetes. \nThough the deadline has already passed, walk-ons are welcome -- check-in time will be from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. The actual event will then start at 10 a.m. with a five mile walk throughout the streets of campus. A two-and-a-half mile route will also be available for those wanting a shorter path. \n"The Bloomington community has really taken this event to heart," said Jackie Johnson, an area manager for the ADA. "Each year the number (of participants) grows in addition to the amount of money we raise."\nThe ADA, along with other local sponsors such as the Hapkido Self Defense Club and B97 radio, supports this event in efforts to raise funds for diabetes research and educational activities. In addition to research and activities, the funds raised from the event will also benefit Camp John Warvel, a summer camp in North Webster, Ind., for children with diabetes. \nIn addition to the two walks, "Walk for Diabetes" will also include entertainment such as clowns, music, Bloomington Elite cheerleaders, a massage therapist and a healthy living fair. Children ages 12 and under can also participate in a scavenger hunt as they walk. Janiece Jaffe, a two year veteran of the event, will be singing the National Anthem. Jaffe, a local jazz singer who is herself diabetic, finds the event rewarding, as she sees people's "high hearts" come together for a good cause.\n"People feel good about physically doing something to raise money -- not just as a community, but on a larger scale," Jaffe said. "There's no limit to the amount of people that can walk -- there's no top to it, it's infinite. The more, the better."\nJohnson said that over the past six years the walk for diabetes has become an extremely successful event, raising a remarkable $27,000 just in 2001 alone. She added that this year the ADA plans to set an even higher goal of $35,000.\n"My grandmother was affected by diabetes," Johnson said. "It's a cause that's close to my heart."\nDarrell Ann Stone, associate director of student activities, has over 75 volunteers but is encouraging others to sign up as well. Stone said that the event would not be successful without the help of these volunteers.\n"It takes so many volunteers (who are) generous with their time to make a successful walk," she said. "The most rewarding aspect of this event is seeing students going out of their way to pause, especially during such a busy time as the beginning of the school year. It certainly shows that our student body cares so very much."\nIf you are interested please contact Darrell Ann Stone\'s office at 855-4311.