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MWU Blogs: Admissions and More by Karen Johnson

MWU Hosts Stepping Out for Diabetes Walk in Glendale

Posted September 30, 2009

On Saturday, MWU's Glendale Campus hosted the annual American Diabetes Association Stepping Out for Diabetes Walk. About 1,000 people gathered on our campus for one of only two twilight ADA walks in the country. I was honored to be one of the walkers on Team MWU.

Over 60 MWU students, faculty, and staff were on the walking team, while countless more staffed booths representing each of MWU's professions, handled registration, and even provided water bowls and biscuits for the four-legged walkers. The coordinators of the event were Dr. Ross Kosinski, Dean of Students, and Julie High Horse Munsted, Director of Student Activities. Dr. G was on hand to welcome the crowd at the starting line, where a balloon arch led people to the scenic route around the campus.

Dr. G on the podium welcoming the crowd of walkers

Dr. G Welcomes the Crowd at the Start of the Walk

Many of us have a personal connection to diabetes. My grandfather had it and with proper diet and medication was able to live and long and happy life. There were several young children at the walk, who were ADA ambassadors and will have to manage this disease for their entire lives. The ADA funds research efforts to help cure this disease. The MWU Team raised about $4,000, and the entire event raised nearly $100,000 (final figures are not yet available). I was able to gather $250 from friends and family, and I was able to make this donation to such a worthy cause.

Sarah, Jake, and I at the start of the walk

Jake, Sarah, and I Going So Fast, We're Blurry!

The walk also gave me an opportunity to bring my dogs to campus, since leashed dogs were allowed on the walk. While the large crowd was a bit overwhelming for them, they did enjoy the attention and got to take a quick lap around campus. Despite a warm evening, the event went off without a hitch. Thanks to Dr. K and Julie for their great organization and to all the volunteers and walkers for helping such a good cause!

 


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