I'm STEPPING OUT to fight Diabetes!

Hello Everyone!

On September 25th I am walking in the American Diabetes Association's annual Fundraising walk called STEP OUT. This walk is taking place across the U.S. with more than 100,000 people registared to walk. It is a 4 mile walk, and all of my fundraising efforts go towards funding Education and Research for stopping the spread of diabetes.

What is Diabetes?
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. There are 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes, a disease that is outpacing heart disease, cancer and AIDS. If current trends continue, one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Nearly everyone knows, or is related to someone whose life is impacted by diabetes.

Why is Diabetes Research so Important to me?
This fundraising event is very near and dear to my heart as my family lost my father 2 years ago to a massive heart attack which was directly linked to him having diabetes. I am participating in this walk in memory of my father, Richard Hansen. Every step I take and every dollar I raise will make a difference in the lives of 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes. By making a donation on my behalf, you will be helping the Association provide community-based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.

No matter how large or small, your donation will help fund education and research to stop this rapidly growing disease.

I believe that my participation in this year’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes can and will make a difference. Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is one of the American Diabetes Association’s biggest fundraisers. With the help of my friends like you, the American Diabetes Association can raise over $20 million to help stop diabetes.

Please help me reach my goal by supporting me for this year’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. Please go to my Web Page at http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/WesternWashingtonArea?px=6147817&pg=personal&fr_id=7321, to make a secure, 100% tax deductible donation.

Together we can stop diabetes. One step at a time.

Thank you all for your support as I STEP OUT to fight diabetes!