Step out to stop diabetes!

Dear family, friends, and d-community members,

I am walking and raising funds for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annual fundraising walk: Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes on Sunday, October 24 in Princeton, New Jersey. Every step I take and every dollar I raise will help improve the lives of the 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes.

Please click here now to go to my personal step-out page, and sponsor me as I raise money to help people affected by this disease.

Why I believe in this cause

I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years, since the age of 3. Growing up with diabetes has had its challenges - from the daily grind of managing blood sugars to long-term physical and emotional complications. I feel lucky that I have always had the proper healthcare and education to live with this disease in the best way I can.

But as an invisible chronic disease - a silent killer - most people are unaware of the complications involved in living and thriving with this disease - until it's too late. This can change.

Organizations like the ADA have made living with diabetes much easier. The ADA supports critical research to finding a cure, education through community programs, and advocacy that protect the rights of people living with the disease. ADA's work has made a huge difference in making my life better, as I'm sure it has for millions of others, and can for millions more.

Why Help Stop Diabetes?

Although life with diabetes has improved with the help of the ADA, there is much more to be done!

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles. Diabetes is a disease that is outpacing heart disease, cancer and AIDS in terms of amounts of people affected. Diabetes is a disease that has deadly serious consequences, and there is no cure.

When you walk, you help Stop Diabetes.

I love walking, and it is also one of the easiest, most relaxing forms of exercise for many people, but especially for those living with diabetes. Walking helps control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and improves overall quality of life. It is also an activity that can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in people at risk.

You can walk almost anywhere at any time. And walking can give you more energy and help relieve stress.

And walking for the cause helps raise funds for the mission of the American Diabetes Association: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Please give what you feel comfortable giving.

I am asking you to make a donation to my fundraising efforts - that you feel comfortable with. Every dollar does make a difference. I have set a fundraising goal of $500, but I'm comfortable with raising any amount - as long as it goes to helping people in need. Please know that I am grateful for your support.

I hope you have a great day. Warm wishes, Ophir